Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Sun Prairie Explosions



From CBS News:
A series of explosions rocked a Wisconsin community after a contractor struck a natural gas main in a downtown area filled with bars and other businesses, injuring two firefighters and a police officer, authorities said. CBS Madison, Wisconsin affiliate WISC-TV reports some buildings were leveled.

First responders rushed to the scene of a reported gas leak and an evacuation was underway when the first blast happened Tuesday, said Sun Prairie police Lt. Kevin Konopacki. He added that lives were likely saved by the evacuation, which was set in motion by people smelling the odor of natural gas.

...WE Energies spokeswoman Amy Jahns said workers for a contractor apparently punctured a 4-inch natural gas main, sending gas leaking into a building ahead of the explosion. All 12 gas lines in the area were shut off by about 9:30 p.m.

The blast, about half a block from City Hall, appeared to be centered on the Barr House, a pub. Authorities evacuated a half-mile radius and set up a shelter at Sun Prairie High School.
This could have been so much worse.

Thankfully, people evacuated the area before the first explosion.


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