Savannah Gas Explosion

A gas explosion near S. Crosby Street resulted in Savannah Edison Electric workers being sent to the hospital and a two-block evacuation for nearby residents. 

Around 7:45 p.m. on Friday, an underground gas pipe that runs along the 2100 block of S. Crosby Street blew up. The blast sent a small fireball seven feet into the air. Five Savannah Edison Electric (SEE) workers were injured, and one in critical but stable condition.

Victims arrived at the Nash Hospital by ambulance at 8:15 p.m. The victim in critical condition has second-degree burns to forehead and neck, and shrapnel penetrated the stomach wall. 

The explosion also blew out windows of nearby homes. Residents have been moved to the Mock Arena for shelter for the time being. ¨We consider everyone in Savannah our neighbor,¨ Alison Moyer, Elko State Music College President said. ¨And when neighbors need neighbors, neighbors step up.¨ 

The Arena has provided water and cots for the residents, as well as access to the showers and bathrooms. Meals were donated by the Blue Light grocery store. 

There seem to be no complaints about the shelter's accommodations from the residents. ¨The kids are actually having fun here dancing,¨ Elaine Robinson said. ¨I´m meeting neighbors I never knew I had. Always look at the bright side of things.¨ 

There is no exact knowledge of when the residents will be able to return to their homes, ¨hopefully by mid-morning tomorrow,¨ Mayor Smith said. Crews were sent to work overnight to repair the gas pipe.

Monday of this week, the local 911 center received 17 calls complaining about the fumes. Glenn Holland said he was one of the people that called 911 that day. ¨Smelled the fumes on Monday… Could still smell them on Tuesday,¨ Holland said.

Stills Gas Co. did a thorough search, found a small leak, and repaired it. That was on the corner of Alpert and Tijuana streets, two blocks away from where Friday's explosion occurred. There were also no hospital visits with any issues related to Monday´s fumes. 

The situation is still ¨unfolding,¨ Mayor Smith said, and the facts of the matter might change. The mayor and the police department will disclose more information of the matter as it gets to them.

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