1 dead, 17 injured from fiery explosion in Durham, North Carolina: Officials
A firefighter is among the injured, officials said.
One person has died and 17 others were injured after a fiery explosion in Durham, North Carolina, Wednesday morning, according to officials.
The blast was felt city-wide, according to Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos.
The explosion was caused by a gas leak after a contractor drilling into the sidewalk struck a 2-inch gas line, said Durham police.
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The explosion impacted five buildings, causing catastrophic damage to one, police said. The fire has since been contained.
The person who died in the incident has been identified as 61-year-old Kong Lee.
At least six people were hospitalized in critical condition, according to officials.
A firefighter is among the injured and underwent surgery, Zoldos said. His condition is considered serious but not life threatening, Zoldos said.
A Dominion Energy worker was also hurt, according to the city.
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Construction worker Tyler Headrick said he saw a cloud of smoke before the building crumbled and people started to flee, he told ABC Raleigh station WTVD.