DENVER – An explosion followed by a transformer fire at a Denver-based assisted living facility resulted in ten individuals being taken to hospitals, along with dozens being forced to vacate their homes, as reported by local officials.
The Denver Fire Department promptly responded to the incident that occurred at the Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus on Wednesday. They managed to control the flames, according to a statement from the Fire Department.
Although some injuries were reported, details remain scarce. However, department representative, Captain Luis Cedillo, suggested that the injuries might have been relatively minor.
In total, 87 people were uprooted, and the condition of the facility remains dire. According to Captain Cedillo, a return is uncertain, and if allowed, it would be limited to retrieving personal items from their apartments.
Access would be granted only to apartments deemed safe by officials, he further clarified.
The department conducted a preliminary investigation, indicating that during some construction activities, a power line was unintentionally hit, which is believed to have triggered the explosion.
Resident Barbara Hinchey recounted her experience to a local TV station, describing how she felt the explosion while sitting in her chair, which shook significantly from the impact.
“I felt the boom,” Hinchey explained. “It rocked my chair, so I knew when the fire alarm came on that it was real.”
Despite the thick smoke that enveloped the area, Hinchey mentioned that evacuation proceeded without panic or screams.
The American Red Cross of Colorado was swift to support, with their disaster action team stepping in to offer assistance. They worked diligently to locate temporary shelters for those affected by the incident. By Wednesday night, all residents had reportedly found refuge, thanks to the efforts of family members or the arranged temporary housing.
