angelburst29
The Living Force
Early morning reports of a natural gas leak and then an explosion 40 minutes later.
9 firefighters hurt as blast levels building in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood (Video)
http://komonews.com/news/local/9-firefighters-hurt-as-blast-levels-building-in-seattles-greenwood-neighborhood
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - An explosion rocked a Seattle neighborhood early Wednesday, injuring nine firefighters, forcing evacuations and heavily damaging buildings, officials said.
The blast occurred in the area of the Greenwood Quick Stop Market at N. 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue N.after fire crews responded to reports of a natural gas leak, Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Corey Orvold said.
About 40 minutes after they arrived, an explosion rocked the area, she said.
Photos posted on the department's Twitter feed showed firefighters gazing at the rubble of one building, another partial building collapse, windows shattered in surrounding structures, including plate-glass windows of area businesses, and debris tangled in trees and scattered over a large area.
Eight fire crew members and battalion chief were rushed to a hospital with minor injuries.
Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman Susan Gregg said all of the firefighters were treated for injuries ranging from burns to abrasions and most will probably be soon released.
Orvold said an undetermined number of residents of an apartment building and another nearby residential structure were evacuated via buses brought in to help out.
There is no word of any other injuries or anyone missing. But Orvold said dogs were being used to go through the rubble just in case.
At least one and possibly two buildings were heavily damaged in the 1:45 a.m. explosion, while several others in the area have shattered windows and other problems. A photographer at the scene reports the explosion destroyed the Quick Stop Grocery, Neptune Coffee and Mr. Gyros, and heavily damaged the G & O Family Cyclery.
Neighbors say it sounded like everything from an earthquake, to an incredibly loud thunderclap, to a bomb blast.
The Fire Department said nearly 70 fire personnel were on the scene at Greenwood Avenue and North 85th Street. They include firefighters, commanders and medics.
Seattle DOT officials said expect streets in the vicinity of the blast to remain closed for several hours for the investigation.
Updates to follow as more details become available.
9 firefighters hurt as blast levels building in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood (Video)
http://komonews.com/news/local/9-firefighters-hurt-as-blast-levels-building-in-seattles-greenwood-neighborhood
Wednesday, March 9th 2016 - An explosion rocked a Seattle neighborhood early Wednesday, injuring nine firefighters, forcing evacuations and heavily damaging buildings, officials said.
The blast occurred in the area of the Greenwood Quick Stop Market at N. 85th Street and Greenwood Avenue N.after fire crews responded to reports of a natural gas leak, Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Corey Orvold said.
About 40 minutes after they arrived, an explosion rocked the area, she said.
Photos posted on the department's Twitter feed showed firefighters gazing at the rubble of one building, another partial building collapse, windows shattered in surrounding structures, including plate-glass windows of area businesses, and debris tangled in trees and scattered over a large area.
Eight fire crew members and battalion chief were rushed to a hospital with minor injuries.
Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman Susan Gregg said all of the firefighters were treated for injuries ranging from burns to abrasions and most will probably be soon released.
Orvold said an undetermined number of residents of an apartment building and another nearby residential structure were evacuated via buses brought in to help out.
There is no word of any other injuries or anyone missing. But Orvold said dogs were being used to go through the rubble just in case.
At least one and possibly two buildings were heavily damaged in the 1:45 a.m. explosion, while several others in the area have shattered windows and other problems. A photographer at the scene reports the explosion destroyed the Quick Stop Grocery, Neptune Coffee and Mr. Gyros, and heavily damaged the G & O Family Cyclery.
Neighbors say it sounded like everything from an earthquake, to an incredibly loud thunderclap, to a bomb blast.
The Fire Department said nearly 70 fire personnel were on the scene at Greenwood Avenue and North 85th Street. They include firefighters, commanders and medics.
Seattle DOT officials said expect streets in the vicinity of the blast to remain closed for several hours for the investigation.
Updates to follow as more details become available.