Firefighter dies after natural gas explosion

A natural gas explosion alarmed a community in Wisconsin and cost a firefighter’s life.

The raging incident, which affected at least two buildings in Wisconsin, also sent five others to a local hospital, as reported by NBC News.

On July 11th, at a press conference, Konopacki and Fire Chief Christopher Garrison confirmed the news that a firefighter had passed away while reporting for duty during the explosion.

The victim was said to be a ten-year veteran firefighter. For more details about him and the explosion, follow us on Twitter at AmoMama USA.

On the afternoon of the same day, the president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin, Mahlon Mitchell, revealed that the firefighter who died was Captain Cory Barr.

One of the five others who was hospitalized was reported to be in critical condition but has now been stabilized after suffering severe injuries from the accident that was caused by a gas leak in downtown Sun Prairie on July 10th around 6:30 p.m.

As a result, several buildings had exploded, as well as parked vehicles around the area, and caused a ravaging fire.

Establishments like the Barr House and Glass Nickel Pizza exploded after the gas had ignited.

Injuries were also inflicted to four other firefighters, a police official, and seven civilians, as stated by Sun Prairie Police Lt. Kevin Konopacki.

Amy Jahns, a WE Energies spokeswoman, said that workers from a private contractor had allegedly punctured a 4-inch gas main. The incident caused a leak that resulted in the explosion.

Evacuees were aided by the Red Cross workers and were assisted at a shelter that had been set up at a Sun Prairie High School.

A 56-year-old witness named Jill Thompson lives two blocks away from the center point of the explosion. She said she remembered seeing smoke after the explosion happened.

She recalled, “It shook the whole building. I thought someone had hit the building with their vehicle.”