April 12, 2016

DOWNTOWN FIRE!

FALLSBURG GAS LEAK EARLIER IN THE DAY STOPS TRAFFIC

CLICK THE PHOTO FOR VIDEO OF LOUISA FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION 

Louisa Fire and Rescue departments are still on the scene of a major explosion and fire at a home at 312 S. Boone St. in Louisa. near Louisa West Elementary School. The explosion is suspected to have been caused by a natural gas leak and the lighting of a cigarette but that information could not be confirmed tonight.

The blast occurred around 7:20 P.M. Tuesday evening, with reports of at least one person said to have been injured.

Homeowner Donald R. Quiring, 48, is said to have significant burns on his arms and other parts of his body and Louisa Fire Chief Eddie Preston told HealthNet on the radio that he weighs around 300 pounds.

The victim was flown to an area burn unit but there is no word on his condition tonight.

LVFD members' quick and well organized work saved surrounding houses from being damaged by the intense blaze, witnesses said.

CLICK ON PICTURE FOR VIDEO BY LAWRENCE CO. EMS

The Boone Street explosion fire is the second major emergency in the local area for today, with a major gas leaking also occurring after a construction accident in Fallsburg early in the afternoon near the Haunted House that caused Route 3 and the surrounding roadways in that area to be closed for two hours and also resulted in a shelter in place for people living in the area. (See separate story and video on The Lazer.

The Levisa Lazer will provide further updates on both events as more information can be gathered.

Lazer photos, and story by Wade Queen, Bo Brumfield, and Jason Helton. Video by Bo Brumfield