Two critical after Columbus home explosion

Fires and explosions are plentiful around the United States on a daily basis. Set a Google alert for the term “apartment fire” or “gas line explosion,” and you will be inundated with news updates.

Here is a sampling of a few incidents from around the U.S. during the past 10 days:

Two critical after Columbus home explosion

From News Services, June 22: Three people were hospitalized after a Columbus home explosion. The incident was reported shortly after 8 a.m. on the east side of Ohio’s capital city.

The explosion was reported near the intersection of Atcheson Street and North 20th Street just east of downtown Columbus. People within a two-mile radius said they heard and felt the explosion.

Two of the Columbus home explosion victims were transported to an Ohio State University hospital and are in critical condition, according to a tweet from the Columbus Division of Fire. The condition of the third victim wasn’t available.

Firefighters are digging through the debris to look for more potential victims. Investigators also are working to determine the cause of the explosion.

Police say the explosion is being blamed on a gas leak in the area.

Three people were hospitalized – two in critical condition – after a Columbus home explosion. The incident occurred at about 8:15 a.m. on the east side of Ohio’s capital. (Photo: WKEF-TV, Dayton)

Three workers hurt in Brooklyn explosion

From WABC-TV, June 22: An explosion injured three National Grid workers in Brooklyn, NY, investigating a gas leak.

The workers were in the process of excavating and figuring out the cause of the leak around 1 a.m. in the Williamsburg neighborhood when something sparked. Cellphone video shows flames shooting out of a hole in the street.

Three workers were burned on their arms and in the face on Union Avenue at South 2nd Street. Their injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

Work on the gas lines had been going on for a few days. Still, some neighbors say they had no idea that extensive work was occurring.

“I never received any notice in my building that this kind of extensive work was happening on our street, so it’s kind of alarming,” said Zuni Madera, a neighbor.

Two hurt in Andover explosion

From NECN, June 18: Two people were seriously injured in an propane tank explosion at a gas station in North Andover, MA. The explosion occurred shortly before 4 p.m. at a Mobil gas station on Osgood Street.

The victims — an employee and a customer — were taken to local hospitals via helicopter with burn injuries. Their conditions have not yet been released.

Officials said it was difficult to turn off the gas from the propane tank right away, but they eventually were able to do so.

Deputy Fire Chief Graham Rowe said a propane explosion like this, especially at a gas station, is rare.

Officials also said the hot weather made it harder on fire crews, although no firefighters needed treatment.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. No further information has been made available.

Tulsa firefighter stable after gas-line explosion

From Associated Press, June 16: A spokesperson for the Tulsa fire department said a firefighter was in stable condition in the hospital after being burned when a ruptured natural gas pipeline exploded. Police say a tractor struck the gas line.

The day of the incident, the spokesperson said doctors were waiting for Capt. Greg Delozier’s swelling to subside to determine the extent of his injuries. His condition is unknown.

Delozier and four Oklahoma Natural Gas (ONG) workers were injured in an explosion and fire that followed the rupture. A ONG spokesperson said she could not release the names or conditions of the injured employees.