ercchry
08-15-2012, 01:13 PM
Fire crews and police are investigating after a cylinder top blew off in the Foothills Industrial area, knocking over power lines, and throwing debris into a neighbouring building Wednesday morning.
Officers and fire crews were called to the 7300 block of 30th Street S.E. at around 11:40 a.m. with reports of an explosion, said duty inspector Craig Skelton.
Fire investigators later determined an asphalt company worker was doing some maintenance on a cylinder, using a torch to free a stuck valve, when the gases built up within the cylinder caused the lid to blow off, said fire spokesman Jayson Doyscher.
“These are large cylinders, probably three storeys,” he said.
The cylinder top landed on some power lines, which fell across Barlow Trail, blocking traffic, he said.
Some debris struck a neighbouring building, breaking two windows, and damaging a vehicle, he added.
Melissa Brown, who works at DIRTT Environmental Solutions next to the asphalt company, said she felt the whole building shake.
“It was so loud, it sounded like something was crashing on the roof,” she said.
One of the vehicles in the staff parking lot was significantly damaged. Two building windows were also smashed out, she added.
“It’s crazy no one got hurt.”
Fire crews used an aerial truck to examine the damage and make sure everything is secure, Doyscher said.
Part of Barlow Trail remains closed to traffic.
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http://www.canada.com/news/calgary/Power+knocked+after+explosion+Foothills+Industrial+area/7094905/story.html
Officers and fire crews were called to the 7300 block of 30th Street S.E. at around 11:40 a.m. with reports of an explosion, said duty inspector Craig Skelton.
Fire investigators later determined an asphalt company worker was doing some maintenance on a cylinder, using a torch to free a stuck valve, when the gases built up within the cylinder caused the lid to blow off, said fire spokesman Jayson Doyscher.
“These are large cylinders, probably three storeys,” he said.
The cylinder top landed on some power lines, which fell across Barlow Trail, blocking traffic, he said.
Some debris struck a neighbouring building, breaking two windows, and damaging a vehicle, he added.
Melissa Brown, who works at DIRTT Environmental Solutions next to the asphalt company, said she felt the whole building shake.
“It was so loud, it sounded like something was crashing on the roof,” she said.
One of the vehicles in the staff parking lot was significantly damaged. Two building windows were also smashed out, she added.
“It’s crazy no one got hurt.”
Fire crews used an aerial truck to examine the damage and make sure everything is secure, Doyscher said.
Part of Barlow Trail remains closed to traffic.
[email protected]
http://www.canada.com/news/calgary/Power+knocked+after+explosion+Foothills+Industrial+area/7094905/story.html