Explosion at scene of natural gas leak at NE 23rd & Glisan. Multiple firefighter injuries. Avoid area. pic.twitter.com/X8lNS7bNWE
— Portland Fire & Rescue (@PDXFire) October 19, 2016
An explosion in northwest Portland has destroyed a local bagel shop early Wednesday. Authorities announced they believe a gas leak had led to the destruction of Portland Bagelworks.
The explosion sent a funnel of smoke emanating from the site, which could be seen from miles away. Witnesses said they heard a loud explosion coming from the area, and nearby buildings shook from the blast. Portland CBS affiliate KOIN reported how five people were injured due to the explosion, but people from the surrounding buildings were evacuated. Kimberly Johnson, COO of the nearby Dosha Salon Spa, said she and her employees were evacuated safely from the area.
Authorities are still trying to determine what exactly happened, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives even being on hand to assist. While the investigation is currenty ongoing several eyewitness were able to document the aftermath of the explosion:
Smoke in the sky, #Explosion #portland #NE 23rd pic.twitter.com/VoZxDbSIW8
— Meesterbumb (@tyford80883) October 19, 2016
PDX people a bagel shop just exploded on 23rd and glisan holy shit pic.twitter.com/vrfeCWI0qg
— Dave Rappoccio (@DrawPlayDave) October 19, 2016
Reported explosion Northwest Portland pic.twitter.com/z5TLWQVDTY
— Kyle Iboshi (@KyleIboshi) October 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/BrentKOIN/status/788788211942207488
Yes, @Oregonian tweeted this pic. Leak reportedly started @Portland Bagel Company. pic.twitter.com/ZibT6xNH4C
— Julia D (@jrd13) October 19, 2016
Explosion in northwest Portland. Tons of smoke. pic.twitter.com/1j0rFF47NY
— Michael (@michaelbivins44) October 19, 2016
The New York Daily News reported three firefighters and two civilians were injured in the aftermath of the blast. KIRO 7 News reported a third party may have been responsible for the damaged gas line, but catalyst for the explosion is still unknown at this time.
(Via Portland Patch, KOIN, KIRO 7 & The New York Daily News)