Post by eng451 on Sept 29, 2009 12:17:04 GMT -5
Md. Crews Return to Scene of May Blast
BY LINDSEY MASTIS
Courtesy of WUSA-TV
FORESTVILLE, Md. -- Stores in this same shopping center exploded in May because of a similar gas leak.
Firefighers ordered 125 people out of the area after a gas leak was detected at Marshall's. Mark Brady with Prince George's County Fire and EMS, says firefighters arrived just in time.
"We were probably extremely close to having another devastating event," he said. "On May 7, we injured nine firefighters, and evacuated up to 50-some people and probably saved their lives."
Brady says electric was promptly shut off, but when they tried to turn off the gas meters-- it didn't help. Brady says they believe gas leaked in from the outside.
"I don't think it's the shopping center itself. I think it's the infrastructure that services the shopping center," he said. "We're very early into this incident, but it sounds like the same exact set of circumstances, is occurring now as it did back in May."
Just the thought of another gas leak in this area is turning customers away from nearby stores that remain open.
"I'm kind of scared now because now my heart is racing because I'm not sure if I want to go in the store. I think I'm going to go home," said Bonnie Spriggs.
"I'd say I'd have to be a little bit concerned, yes. I changed my mind today about going to Burlington [Coat Factory]," said Bernard Mitchell.
This incident kept firefighters on scene for five hours. Brady says the shopping center will remain closed Monday, while the Washington Gas Company and PEPCO work to resolve the problem for good.
Republished with permission of WUSA-TV.
____________________________________________________
Well I am glad that this time the call went smoothly than the last.
BY LINDSEY MASTIS
Courtesy of WUSA-TV
FORESTVILLE, Md. -- Stores in this same shopping center exploded in May because of a similar gas leak.
Firefighers ordered 125 people out of the area after a gas leak was detected at Marshall's. Mark Brady with Prince George's County Fire and EMS, says firefighters arrived just in time.
"We were probably extremely close to having another devastating event," he said. "On May 7, we injured nine firefighters, and evacuated up to 50-some people and probably saved their lives."
Brady says electric was promptly shut off, but when they tried to turn off the gas meters-- it didn't help. Brady says they believe gas leaked in from the outside.
"I don't think it's the shopping center itself. I think it's the infrastructure that services the shopping center," he said. "We're very early into this incident, but it sounds like the same exact set of circumstances, is occurring now as it did back in May."
Just the thought of another gas leak in this area is turning customers away from nearby stores that remain open.
"I'm kind of scared now because now my heart is racing because I'm not sure if I want to go in the store. I think I'm going to go home," said Bonnie Spriggs.
"I'd say I'd have to be a little bit concerned, yes. I changed my mind today about going to Burlington [Coat Factory]," said Bernard Mitchell.
This incident kept firefighters on scene for five hours. Brady says the shopping center will remain closed Monday, while the Washington Gas Company and PEPCO work to resolve the problem for good.
Republished with permission of WUSA-TV.
____________________________________________________
Well I am glad that this time the call went smoothly than the last.