Nine firefighters were taken to the hospital after an explosion in Seattle early Wednesday. Crews first responded to the scene of a reported gas leak. At least two buildings were leveled. Jeff Dubois of Seattle affiliate KIRO reports.
Seattle firefighters responded about 1:00 a.m. Wednesday to a report of a gas leak. Firefighters were on the scene about 40 minutes when a large gas explosion occurred. The blast destroyed Gorditos restaurant where the gas was leaking. Also heavily damaged or destroyed were Neptune Coffee and Euro shop. Buildings within a two-block radius, including a Chase bank had their window blown out.
Eight firefighters and a battalion chief were injured in the blast with injuries that included possible hearing damage, burns, cuts and abrasions. The firefighters and battalion chief were transported Harborview Medical Center.
Initially a Mayday was called out for missing firefighters, but all firefighters were reported safe after a quick search. A more extensive search was underway in the rubble for any unknown citizens that may have been in the buildings.
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Fire crews at 85th and Greenwood Ave N for explosion. Evacuations taking place. 9 SFD transported- 8 FF and 1 BC. pic.twitter.com/nyQC6nBzdL
— Seattle Fire Dept (@SeattleFire) March 9, 2016
Explosion rips through Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood, 9 firefighters injured. https://t.co/DPoBDPdYtS pic.twitter.com/gcnRHwOE2Y
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) March 9, 2016
Complete destruction visible as fire crews still work to put out gas line flames @seattlepi #greenwoodgasexplosion pic.twitter.com/p99HjVfqNo
— Genna Martin (@photogenna) March 9, 2016
Windows blown out across the street from gas explosion in Greenwood pic.twitter.com/tjOkUF11Bg
— Genna Martin (@photogenna) March 9, 2016
Photos of surrounding businesses display the damage of this mornings explosion at N 85th and Greenwood. pic.twitter.com/J5R31dqBhi
— Seattle Fire Dept (@SeattleFire) March 9, 2016
Blue and orange flames glow from the location of a mini mart and Gyro shop in #Greenwood #greenwoodgasexplosion pic.twitter.com/lwGM5UWPcr
— Genna Martin (@photogenna) March 9, 2016