One injured after explosion, fire at Cape Girardeau business
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – One person was seriously injured after an explosion and fire Thursday morning at Reliable Tank in Cape Girardeau, according to the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at about 8:28 a.m. to Reliable Tank, 823 S. Kingshighway, after the Cape Girardeau Joint Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion and fire. Initial callers also reported that one person had suffered severe burn injuries.
The first firefighters to arrive found moderate smoke and fire coming from the commercial building. Officials said about 25% of the structure had already collapsed because of the explosion and fire.
The incident was upgraded to a second alarm because of the fire conditions, structural collapse and potential hazards. Additional fire departments responded to the scene while others provided station coverage throughout the city.
Emergency crews located one victim at a nearby business with significant burn injuries. The individual was treated at the scene before being airlifted to a regional burn center for specialized treatment.
Despite the extensive damage, firefighters conducted a primary search of the building and confirmed no additional victims were inside.
Crews brought the fire under control within about 10 minutes of arriving and remained at the scene for approximately three hours extinguishing hot spots, overhauling the structure and assisting investigators.
The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation by federal, state and local authorities. Officials have not released additional information about what caused the incident.
Mutual aid was provided by the Scott City Fire Department, Jackson Fire Rescue, Millersville Fire Protection District, Gordonville Fire Protection District, East Cape Girardeau County Fire Protection District, Fruitland Fire Protection District and the Benton Fire Department.
