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Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Firefighter and EMT Reported Killed in W.V. Blast
30 Jan 2007 -- 15:30 PM EST
Explosion Reported in Gas Station/Convenience Mart
From the ERRI/EmergencyNet News Global Watchdesk
W. VIRGINIA: EmergencyNet News is receiving information from first responders in W. Virginia that a paramedic and firefighter have been killed in an explosion at a gas station near Ghent, WV. Two other people have also been killed and at least seven other people badly injured...some critically.
Although many details remain unconfirmed, it is believed that the explosion at the "Flat Top Little General Store" may have been caused by some sort of "gas leak." It is said that the deceased firefighter and paramedic were responding to the incident in response to a reported leak, when the blast occurred. The incident is thought to have happened at about 10:45 a.m EST.
At a news conference in the past few minutes, a fire official said that an ambulance and fire truck were "damaged in the blast." Notification of the next of kin of those killed or injured is said to be underway at this time. The State Fire Marshall, BATF, State Police, and local officials are all at the scene of the blast investigating the cause of the blast. Ghent is located about 60 miles southeast of Charleston.
Edited on: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 14:47.06
Categories: Emergency Services, WMD - Haz-Mat