UPDATE: 4 houses have been affected by house explosion in Westminster, CO: two major, two minor. 2 reported minor injuries – @WestminsterPD
Unsuspecting Westminster, CO was rocked by an explosion today just hours after a chemical plant in Louisiana combusted. Naturally, neighboring homesteads and the entire neighborhood has since been evacuated. According to KDVR Denver, the explosion has left one person missing while two structures have sustained heavy damage with debris scattering the area.
An evacuation center has been established at the Tri-City Baptist Church.
The source of the powerful blast is thought to have originated in the 9300 block of Ingalls Street. As for the reason, some kind of natural gas involvement is suspected. Xcel teams have since tended to the scene to search for open gas lines. A technical team was also en route to shore up the damaged buildings and aid in search efforts.
According to one witness per KDVR, “I just heard a loud explosion that shook my entire apartment complex,’ said viewer Brittany Marlier, who lives in the area. ‘I spoke with neighbors and they felt the impact as well. We’re hearing rumors that it was a house that exploded near the Costco off 92nd (Avenue).'”
KGWB TV in Colorado is now reporting that, per Westminster Fire Department spokeswoman Diana Wilson “fires erupted after the explosion, but they are under control.”
Just hours ago, a midway town between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA endured a chemical plant explosion reminiscent of the Waco, TX fertilizer plant that killed at least 15 and injured more than 160. Authorities on the scene of the Louisiana chemical plant outburst have reported that at least 70 are in the hospital being treated for injuries while one fatality has been recorded thus far.
Aside from the one person thought to be missing, possibly barricaded under the substantial debris, there are no other reported injuries or deaths in Westminster.
Be sure to stay tuned to BostInno for the latest developments concerning the Westminster, CO explosion as we’ll be sure to keep you updated as information continues to roll in.
