DURHAM, N.C. — A gas explosion caused a building to collapse in downtown Durham, according to city officials.
The explosion happened just after 10 a.m. Wednesday on North Duke Street not long after a gas leak was reported. Police say a contractor boring into the sidewalk hit a 2-inch gas line, causing the leak. Gas company workers and firefighters were at the scene when the explosion happened.
First look: New images of complete devastation. #DurhamExplosion #ABC11 pic.twitter.com/QwNDvVOBD4
— Tim Pulliam (@TimABC11) April 10, 2019
Durham police said at least one person was killed and 17 people were treated for injuries.Six of the patients are in critical condition.
A firefighter identified as Darren Wheeler was seriously injured. He is now out of surgery, according to Durham police.
UPDATE: The injured firefighter, Darren Wheeler of the Durham Fire Department, is out of surgery at this time and is recovering from his injuries.
— DurhamPoliceNC (@DurhamPoliceNC) April 10, 2019
The scene is now being handled as a search and rescue operation.
According to Durham EMS - 17 patients seen at local hospitals, which enacted their disaster plans. Six victims were in critical condition, one taken to UNC Burn Center. Both hospitals back at normal operations @ABC11_WTVD pic.twitter.com/LXhzQCJHcp
— Michael Perchick (@MichaelPerchick) April 10, 2019
[PHOTOS: Deadly building explosion, collapse in North Carolina]
Durham city officials held a news conference Wednesday afternoon as crews were continuing their search and rescue efforts.
Here’s the latest update from our Durham Police Department and Durham Fire Department regarding today’s explosion & fire near Brightleaf Square in downtown Durham. Please continue to avoid this area as this is an active emergency scene. We’re working hard and appreciate everyone’s patience during this time as our first responders investigate what happened.
Posted by City of Durham, NC Government on Wednesday, April 10, 2019
People across the city reported feeling the explosion.
I’m with county leaders from across NC in a ballroom at the Durham Convention Center, where the gas explosion was quite loud and it shook the chandeliers. Hoping everyone is ok. Thank you to our first responders already on the scene.
— Greg Ford (@GregFordNC) April 10, 2019
"I've never seen anything like it before," witness Robin Jarvi told our ABC affiliate WTVD. "I was sitting at the traffic light ... and I smelled heavy, heavy gas. There were people in the building. I saw a business owner but a sign that said 'Business is closed for the day because of a gas leak.' As soon as I went through the traffic light, the whole building exploded."
Huge explosion near Brightleaf in Durham just now. Maybe gas leak. Window of The Federal, 2 blocks away blown out pic.twitter.com/XqTvoPFTd6
— Laura Sell (@LauraSell) April 10, 2019
Firefighters are at the scene and asking people to avoid the area.
A school across the street announced it would be dismissing students early because of the explosion.
Good morning, DSA families. There has been a gas explosion in a building near DSA. Our students and staff are safe in place at the school; there have been no injuries. Dismissal is process.| #Durham #BullCity #DURM | INFO LINK: https://t.co/DzRXJ3JIn5 pic.twitter.com/I7L64LQQLJ
— Durham Public Schools (@DurhamPublicSch) April 10, 2019
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Gas Explosion in Durham, N.C.BREAKING: 1 dead, 15 taken to hospital after gas explosion, Durham officials say. A firefighter is at the hospital with serious injuries. http://2wsb.tv/2WZeQJ1 We'll have the latest on this developing situation on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4 p.m. (NOTE: This is a live, unedited feed from the ABC station in North Carolina.)
Posted by WSB-TV on Wednesday, April 10, 2019
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