An apartment explosion caught on video as firefighters fled in Washington state
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Dramatic video captured the moment an explosion erupted inside an apartment building in Washington state, sending flames and debris at firefighters as they investigated reports of smoke on Sunday.
Wild footage from Tacoma showed firefighters forcing open the door to the electrical room before thick smoke billowed out. Seconds later, a powerful explosion ripped through the door, shattering windows and sending curtains upright and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.
The person recording the incident briefly turned the camera away after the explosion. When the video came back into focus, firefighters could be seen checking each other out and leaving the damaged building.
‘PARCEL BOMB’ EXPLODES IN MONACO RESIDENCE, LEAVES 2 SERIOUSLY INJURED: REPORTS
The explosion occurred after Tacoma firefighters opened the door to an electrical room while investigating reports of smoke. The explosion sent flames and debris at workers, but no injuries were reported. (Credit: Joe D via Storyful)
The Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) later said no firefighters or residents were injured.
Firefighters responded around 5:37 p.m. to an apartment in the 6400 block of S. 12th St., after receiving reports of an explosion and smoke coming from an electrical outlet, according to the department. Fire alarms went off after a resident raised the alarm, prompting workers to evacuate the buildings as a precaution.
“Eight buildings have been permanently evacuated. There is no active fire,” TFD said in an update to X.
‘PARCEL BOMB’ EXPLODES IN MONACO RESIDENCE, LEAVES 2 SERIOUSLY INJURED: REPORTS
Firefighters and a police officer responded to an apartment complex in Tacoma, Wash., where an explosion led to the evacuation of several buildings Sunday. (Tacoma Fire Department X)
Officials said a malfunctioning electrical transformer caused smoke to engulf several buildings as Tacoma Public Utilities and fire investigators worked to determine the cause. Residents of the apartments were temporarily sheltered at Hunt Middle School.
In a recent update, the department said the explosion occurred inside an electrical room after firefighters shut off the power to the building.
‘PARCEL BOMB’ EXPLODES IN MONACO RESIDENCE, LEAVES 2 SERIOUSLY INJURED: REPORTS
Firefighters and a police officer responded to an apartment complex in Tacoma, Wash., where an explosion caused the evacuation of several buildings. (Tacoma Fire Department X)
“There was an explosion in the electrical room when firefighters shut off the power to the building,” the Tacoma Fire Department wrote on X. Tacoma Public Utilities continued to investigate the cause of the explosion.
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The agency later allowed residents to return to all buildings except building 600 while crews worked to restore power. The American Red Cross assisted residents who were evacuated from the building.
The Tacoma Fire Department said the explosion remains under investigation.
