A gas leak near a Domino’s Pizza in west Columbus, Ohio has caused a massive explosion in a shopping center, destroying one building and engulfing vehicles in the process, as reported by local CBS affiliate WBNS. The Columbus Fire Department is currently evacuating the area amid fears that the massive fire will cause more damage. Part of the scene can be seen in these photos.
https://twitter.com/MarkTaylorNBC4/status/811674279800664066
UPDATE: 2nd alarm called for fire after gas leak on West Broad near Hague. Buildings nearby evacuated pic.twitter.com/rYVIZOsFmo
— FOX 28 Columbus (@fox28columbus) December 21, 2016
Details are still coming in, but FOX 8 Cleveland reported that Domino’s employees smelled gas after a construction crew struck a gas line. Employees reported seeing crew members fleeing from the shopping center. Unfortunately, the pizza ovens then ignited and caused part of the explosion to occur. Miraculously, NBC 4 in Columbus reported there was only one injury after a pregnant woman tripped while running away from the fire.
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital primary care hospital is not too far from the explosion site, and it has been reported that all patients have been safely evacuated. While authorities are evacuating the area and getting people to safety, they are still urging caution. Battalion Chief Steve Martin said gas could still be seeping into other buildings, and authorities are still assessing the situation.
(Via CBS-WBNS, Fox 8 Cleveland & NBC 4 Columbus)