Massive 7-alarm fire destroys commercial buildings at 3 North Warren Street in Dover, New Jersey. Fire may have started at Barry's Luncheonette

Monday, October 22, 2018
DOVER, New Jersey (WABC) -- 

A massive fire tore through buildings in the business district of a New Jersey town Monday afternoon, causing four of them to collapse.

Officials say the fire was placed under control by Monday evening, though firefighters were still putting water on hot spots.

The 7-alarm fire broke out at about 3:30 p.m. on the first floor of a three-story structure at 3 North Warren Street in Dover. It is believed to have started in the basement of a luncheonette, Barry's Luncheonette.

The building included stores on the first floor and apartments on the top two floors. The fire quickly spread to surrounding buildings.


Businesses and residents were evacuated, but officials say everyone made it out safely. Over 100 people were displaced and at least six businesses were destroyed.

No injuries have been reported.

Flames were shooting from the roof and smoke billowed into the air that could be seen from miles away.

"This is a major structure fire," said Dover Mayor James Dodd. "It's a very difficult fire that they're fighting now, the buildings are old. They're doing the best they can right now to bring the fire under control."

Investigators discovered the fire was being fed by natural gas, which was finally shut down hours later.

Units from towns throughout Morris County were called in for assistance in battling the blaze.

"It's very very difficult, it's very unfortunate," said Mayor Dodd. "It's devastating to the people that are losing their homes, that's our concern, and our local businesses, and we're going to do everything we can to help those people who were displaced."

Roads were closed off throughout the area. The fire also caused delays on New Jersey Transit's Morris and Essex Lines.

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NJ.com

At least two buildings collapsed as crews battled a massive, multi-alarm fire that destroyed several businesses in Dover's commercial district Monday.

Helicopter footage of the scene showed flames shooting through the roof of one building and thick smoke pouring from the blaze, near West Blackwell and Warren streets. Smoke continued to rise from the burned debris as of late Monday night, some five hours after initial reports of a fire.

Four buildings or portions of the structures collapsed, according to Dover Public Safety Director Daniel DeGroot.

Live video from the scene shared on Twitter captured one building collapse as authorities moved bystanders further away from the scene.

Multiple area fire departments worked to battle the flames as of 7:15 p.m, he said. There were no reported injuries.

The fire was initially reported around 3:30 p.m. as smoke in Barry's Luncheonette on North Warren Street, according to DeGroot.

"Please stay clear of the area until the fire has been contained and everyone is safe," Dover Mayor James P. Dodd said in a Facebook post shortly after 4 p.m.

Officials could not immediately provide more details. It was unclear how many people were displaced by the blaze. The damaged buildings appeared to include storefronts with apartments above.

A spokesman for the Morris County Prosecutor's Office said an investigation was underway, but could not provide more details.
The building that collapsed, prior to the massive 7-alarm fire

Roofer John Douglas Zibell, 66, from Holton, Kansas died after he was thrown from a lift basket which was about 30 feet in the air, after the mobile crane carrying them overturned, due to wet ground

John Douglas Zibell, 66, from Holton, Kansas died after he was thrown from a lift basket which was about 30 feet in the air, after the mobile crane carrying them overturned, due to wet ground



Wet ground may have caused tragic Holton crane accident

By: Jim Doblin

Updated: October 18, 2018



HOLTON, Kan. (KSNT) - 

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says moist ground may have been a factor in Wednesday's tragic crane crash. One man was killed, another seriously injured at a house in south Holton.

Initially both men were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. However Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said John Douglas Zibell, 66, from Holton was later pronounced dead at the Holton hospital. The other man, now identified as 29 year-old Zachary Estrada, of Holton, sustained an amputation to his right arm and was transported to the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Both men were thrown from a lift basket which was about 30 feet in the air, after the mobile crane carrying them overturned. The men were working on the three-story house's roof at the time of the accident. The Sheriff said The men had been working from a large basket or work platform that was attached to the boom of the T-Rex forklift.

"The ground was sloped where the machine sat, and the ground was soft from the recent moisture."

Morse says the accident happened shortly after 2 p.m.. He described the scene as grim and the area currently cordoned off by law enforcement.

He said the workers were members of a Holton-area contractor but did not have any more specifics. The name of the other man is not yet being released until family is notified.

Candelaria Alcantar said one of the victims was a family friend.

"I was shocked. I was really shocked because it was just unbelievable. He was a good guy and you wouldn't expect something like that to happen to someone like that."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the accident. OSHA is always involved when a worker dies at a workplace or job site.


===========================

John D. Zibell

May 10, 1952 - October 17, 2018

John Douglas Zibell, Sr., 66, of Holton, KS entered into eternal life on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 as a result of a construction accident. He was born May 10, 1952 in Holton, KS the son of Gus Junior and Bessie Emma (Roller) Zibell.

He graduated from Holton High School in 1970 and has been a lifelong member of the community. After school he helped on the family farm and worked for Strader Drilling for a short time. In the early 80’s he started Zibell Construction which he owned and operated for many years. By trade, he was a “master carpenter of rough carpentry”.

He was an active member of the Evangel United Methodist Church serving on the Fixing by Faith team, part of the God’s Mix Sunday School Class, member of the choir, and in previous years was the janitor for the church. He was a former board member of Nueva Vida Ministry, Forest Park camp and retreat center, and former youth leader. John enjoyed working on projects for Habitat for Humanity, the Americore Kids mentoring program and anything that allowed him to work with his hands to serve or assist those in need. Along with this, hobbies included: chainsaw carving, traveling, an ongoing quest for knowledge, wine making, riding his motorcycle, jammin’ out to classic rock, baking, camping, spending time with his family & friends and playing the guitar.

He was united in marriage to Stacy McKinney on August 18, 2018. John and Stacy had a very special bond and love for one another, which grew stronger over their long courtship from neighbors to husband and wife.

Survivors include his wife, Stacy Zibell, (Sarah & Luis), (Emily), (Val) of the home; Melanie Shelman, the mother of his children - sons, John Zibell, Jr. (Sarah) of Holton, KS and Joey Zibell (Tammi) of Baldwin City, KS; a daughter, Jennifer Zibell (Ryan Farringer) of Wichita, KS; a sister, Mary Longren (Paul) of Westmoreland, KS; a brother, Marlin Zibell (Betsy) of Holton, KS and 5 grandchildren, Gillian, Lauren, Zoey, Milo and Grace.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gus and Bessie, loving wife Sarah (Bullard) Zibell and grandson Ian Zibell.

Lt. Bradford Turner Clark (43) of Hanover County, Virginia was killed, several other fire/EMS injured after a tractor-trailer traveling south on I-295 rear-ended the fire apparatus on scene

 
VSP extends its condolences and prayers to the Hanover County Fire-EMS Department for their tragic loss tonight.

On October 11, 2018 (Thursday) at approximately 9 p.m., the Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-295 near Exit 38 in Hanover County.

The trooper's preliminary investigation reveals that Hanover Fire Engine and EMS was on scene providing assistance with a two-vehicle crash. The Hanover fire vehicles had all emergency equipment activated at the scene. A tractor-trailer traveling south on I-295 rear-ended the fire apparatus on scene.


Unfortunately, a total of four Fire/EMS personnel were injured in the crash with one of them succumbing to their injuries at the scene. One was transported to VCU Medical Center for treatment of life-threatening injuries, and the remaining two for serious injuries.

The driver of the tractor-trailer had to be extricated from the cab of the truck and was also transported for treatment of serious injuries.

This crash is still in its preliminary stages of the investigation with the assistance of the Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team.

The Virginia Department of Transportation, Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Henrico County Police and Henrico County Division of Fire are assisting at the scene.



==================================

A semi-truck driver slammed into a firetruck Thursday evening that was assisting with a car crash on a Virginia Interstate, killing one firefighter and injuring several others.

The tractor-trailer was traveling south on Interstate 295 around 9 p.m. when it rammed a firetruck, which was providing aid in a two-car crash in Hanover, Va., the Virginia State Police said in a press release.

Lt. Bradford Turner Clark, 43, died at the scene, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported early Friday, citing authorities.

"Please join Hanover County Fire-EMS as we mourn the death of Lieutenant Brad Clark and keep his family and fellow firefighters in your thoughts and prayers," Battalion Chief Gregory Martin said in a press release, according to the paper.


Another firefighter was rushed to a nearby hospital for life-threatening injuries, and two others were being treated for serious injuries, according to the press release. The driver of the tractor-trailer had to be “extricated” from his vehicle, and was also being treated for serious injuries, authorities said.

The crash is still under investigation, but the Dispatch noted poor driving conditions as Hurricane Michael brought “heavy rain and winds, in addition to some tornadoes,” to the region.



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Hundreds remember firefighter Lt. Brad Clark


Fallen firefighter given emotional tribute


By NBC12 Newsroom |
 October 18, 2018


RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - 

Hearts were heavy in Hanover on Wednesday as thousands of friends, family, colleagues and firefighters from out of state attended the memorial service of fallen firefighter Lt. Brad Clark.

Clark, 43, of Mechanicsville, died in the line of duty last week while responding to a crash on I-295 as Hurricane Michael moved through the area. A tractor-trailer struck his fire engine from behind. Three other officers were wounded.

He was a 13-year veteran of Hanover County Fire and EMS and also served in the U.S. Army before joining the fire department.

Clark’s casket arrived on a station 6 fire engine driving underneath two Hanover County Fire & EMS engines that hoisted an American flag outside the event park.


The firefighter, who many people looked up to for inspiration, also grew up surrounded by firefighters; his father, Bob Clark, is a long-time firefighter with Henrico County.



“Yes, he was short in stature but his heart was as big as the moon," said Bob Clark. “His dedication to his family, Gethsemane church, Hanover Fire Department and all of his friends had no limits."

Flags were lowered to half-staff in Clark’s honor and officials from across the state gathered to honor his life and sacrifice.


“He was a man who loved what he did and insisted you be as good as he was," said Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, of Loveland-Symmes Fire Department. "He wasn’t one to brag about how good he was, he showed it.”


The memorial service was filled with a tribute to Clark’s fire service, his military service and touched on his strong faith.

His cousin sang a version of “Amazing Grace” and other friends and family sang songs in memory of the man with a “big personality”.

“Brad had the most contagious laugh and the warmest spirit that could reach the depths of our souls,” said Ryan Sharp, a childhood friend.


“I knew that he would be a force to be reckoned with... and boy was he ever!” said Hanover County Fire & EMS Chief Jethro Piland, III.


The service also mentioned the crash that took Clark’s life and injured three other firefighters. Several people touched on Clark’s heroic actions until his last breath.

“In that fateful moment he did what he did best, taking care of his people, he screamed out a warning of the impending crash," Goldfeder said. “By all accounts he saved Carter, Dave and Chris’s lives.”

“Brad is my hero," Piland said. "His actions Thursday night saved the lives of Chris, Carter, and David.”

One of the firefighters severely injured attended the funeral but had to be separated from the public due to doctor’s instructions.

More than 2,500 people filled the Meadow Park Event building, many of them locally, but also from out-of-state.

All the way from Sacramento, California, Kevin Summers said he made the cross-country trip to honor the life and legacy of his fallen brother. Then they will take turns trying to fuck his daughters and wife who are still wet and horny.  They know the drill.

“[It’s a situation for] firefighters all across the country, when we lose one it hurts all of us,” Summers said.

Hundreds remember firefighter Lt. Brad Clark

While Clark died doing the job he loved, he was also prepared for this situation and left behind a letter which was read out loud by his brother.

“I love to see other people smile, so I suppose you know I spent a great deal of my life trying to make you all show your teeth,” said Jonathan Clark.


The heartfelt letter continued where Clark addressed his friends colleagues and also his daughters.

“All of you have amazing hearts, so full of love, don’t be selfish with them,” Clark read.

He also left a message for his wife in the letter.

“I’ve loved you since I was 19 years old," Clark read. “No matter the distance, my love for you was always there.”

More than $12,000 has been raised in Clark’s memory. CLICK HERE for a GoFundMe page to help Clark’s family.
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Lt. Bradford Turner Clark (43) of Hanover County, Virginia left this earth on October 11, 2018. He died doing what he loved, while heroically saving the lives of others responding to an emergency call on Interstate 295. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." –John 15:13. Brad is survived by the love of his life, his "Buttercup," Melanie and four daughters Brady, Lilly, Olivia and Madison. His loving parents are Bob and Patsy Clark and Beth and Oscar Giles; siblings Jonathan Clark (Rachel), David Giles (Amber), Christie Poats (Wyatt); nieces and nephews, Landry, Ellis, Zach, Peyton, Tripp, Henley, Campbell and Carrison. Brad has many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins as well as Brothers and Sisters of not only Hanover County Fire & EMS but all over this great country he loved and worked to make a safer place. He is preceded in death by Grandparents Thomas A. and Lois Clark, Dorothy and Dave Turner, Wesley and Ann Williams and Oscar B. Giles, Sr. and Harriet Mae Giles, as well as his Aunt Pamela Carr Turner.

Born and raised in Hanover County, Brad attended Atlee High School, Class of 1993. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army where he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma from 1995-2000. It was then he met Frank T. McClain and the two quickly became inseparable and remained brothers in so many ways until his death.

Brad joined Hanover County Fire & EMS on July 16, 2005 and was promoted to Fire Lieutenant on July 16, 2015. Brad's strongest passion outside of his devotion to family was educating firefighters. One of his proudest assignments was his role as lead instructor of Hanover Fire Academy 33 where he led a group of 28 recruits. At the time of his passing he was the Lieutenant at Station 6 in Hanover County where he was the officer for a crew of five firefighters. Continuing his passion for teaching, Brad was an instructor at the Walter Sisk Memorial Truck School, Andy Fredericks Training Days and with The 350' Line as well as other training conferences around the country.

Brad's fierce devotion and unquestionable commitment and love to his wife and children was made known by him to his friends constantly. He was always quick to remind his extended family of brothers and sisters how much he cared about them and would be there to help anyone he knew in their times of need. Brad rarely met anyone that he would not have laughing within a short time with his trademark sense of humor and quick jokes. Brad shared his passion in many ways and honored those who had fallen in the Line of Duty as an Honor Guard member at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, MD.

Transdev North America to immediately stop transporting school children in the Babcock Ranch community in Southwest Florida on the EZ10 Generation II driverless shuttle

October 19, 2018 | Washington, DC

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a letter directing Transdev North America to immediately stop transporting school children in the Babcock Ranch community in Southwest Florida on the EZ10 Generation II driverless shuttle. Transdev’s use of the driverless shuttle to transport school children is unlawful and in violation of the company’s temporary importation authorization. NHTSA’s action aligns with the Department’s guidance related to automated vehicles, as most recently outlined in Automated Vehicles 3.0: Preparing for the Future of Transportation.

"Innovation must not come at the risk of public safety," said Heidi King, NHTSA Deputy Administrator. "Using a non-compliant test vehicle to transport children is irresponsible, inappropriate, and in direct violation of the terms of Transdev’s approved test project,"
In March 2018, NHTSA granted Transdev permission to temporarily import the driverless shuttle for testing and demonstration purposes. Transdev requested permission to use the shuttle for a specific demonstration project, not as a school bus. Transdev failed to disclose or receive approval for this use. School buses are subject to rigorous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards that take into account their unique purpose of transporting children, a vulnerable population.

NHTSA notified Transdev that failure to take appropriate action may result in a civil penalty action, the voiding of the temporary importation authorization, and/or the exportation of the vehicle. Transdev has informed NHTSA that it will stop unapproved operations.

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Transdev Debuts First Autonomous School Shuttle at Babcock Ranch

Pilot Program Set for Mid-September Launch


  Transdev, a global leader in mobility solutions, will operate school shuttle service starting this fall with an autonomous vehicle, the first in the world.

Transdev is the mobility provider for Babcock Ranch, the nation’s first solar-powered town located just northeast of Fort Myers, Florida. The transportation system in the sustainable new town developed by Kitson & Partners is focused on decreasing dependency on personal vehicles by offering residents a broad range of more environmentally-friendly mobility alternatives.

The 12-person shuttle will operate from a designated pick-up area with a safety attendant on board. Eventually school shuttle service will be available to students and parents on demand, door to door, using an integrated app on their smart phones.
The EasyMile Easy10 Gen II is fully electric and reacts 30 times faster than a human driver. Currently, the shuttle travels at a top speed of 8mph, with the potential to reach speeds of 30mph once the necessary infrastructure is complete.
Transdev is starting the autonomous school shuttle service this fall to transport students living within the new community to Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS).
The public charter school boasts a total enrollment of 316 students in grades K-7 for the current school year – and the number of those students living at Babcock Ranch will steadily increase as their new homes under construction are completed. Nearly 30 BNS students will be Babcock Ranch residents by January of this year.
Safety is always the company’s and the community’s No. 1 priority. A safety attendant will remain on board the vehicle at all times while students are riding. The route and operation will be fully autonomous.
Transdev and Babcock Ranch share a vision of and commitment to the future of mobility that will be personalized, autonomous, connected and sustainable. Drawing on that vision, Transdev plans to use its global expertise in 20 countries on six continents to provide better mobility for residents and visitors of Babcock Ranch.
School shuttle service is part of an overall strategic plan to deliver autonomous technology designed around the needs of Babcock Ranch residents. Eventually grocery delivery, package delivery and door-to-door self-storage pickup and drop off will complement a growing suite of choices for families and students.

The first autonomous school shuttle in the world will debut this fall at Babcock Ranch in Florida.

Transdev, the mobility partner for Babcock Ranch, is completing more than two months of testing on school shuttle routes that will supplement existing autonomous options within the community. During the pilot-program, Transdev will evaluate rider behavior and demand by offering the service to Babcock Neighborhood School (BNS) students who live within the new town located just northeast of Fort Myers. As the town—the first fully solar-powered community in the country—continues to grow to its estimated capacity of nearly 50,000 residents, mobility options will continue to evolve to meet new demands, including student transit.

“Imagine how excited these students will be the first time that yellow school shuttle pulls up outside their house. What an incredible moment for them,” said Dick Alexander, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Innovation at Transdev. “Not only are we providing an important mobility option for these children, but what an opportunity for them to see the amazing power of science, technology, engineering and math that help this shuttle run safely and efficiently. The whole experience is something we hope they will never forget.”

BNS students living within the community will be the first in the nation to catch a ride to school on an autonomous shuttle. Nearly 30 of the 316 students enrolled in grades K-7 at BNS this year will be residing within the new solar-powered town by January.

Safety is always the highest priority. The 12-person Easy Mile EZ10 Gen II shuttle reaches a standard cruising speed of 8mph and brakes automatically and swiftly when obstacles are detected—a new software update will even allow the shuttle to maneuver around an obstacle if safe conditions permit. A safety attendant will remain on board at all times students are riding to ensure their comfort and to answer all the questions curious minds may have about autonomous technology. Transdev will test the autonomous shuttle with students and families before the pilot officially begins.

“It makes me wish I were a kid again,” said Syd Kitson, CEO of Kitson & Partners, the developers behind Babcock Ranch. “This is definitely a sign of progress and a sincere testament to a shared commitment to sustainable living. For many of the kids moving in and living here, autonomous school shuttles will be the only school transit they ever know. I’m definitely jealous of them and so proud of this concept.”

As part of that dedication to sustainability, walking and biking will always be encouraged. For days with foul weather, of for students who live farther from the school, the autonomous shuttle will remain a viable option during the pilot. Eventually, students and parents will be able to book on-demand, door-to-door school shuttles based on individual needs.

Babcock Ranch and Transdev have been offering autonomous shuttle service since the town opened in January as part of an overall devotion to reducing reliance on automobiles. The school shuttle service will utilize all the knowledge and expertise gained during that time, as well as complement Transdev’s global AV operations, including the first open-road autonomous shuttle in Europe.


About Kitson & Partners
Kitson & Partners is a private residential and commercial real estate investment and development company based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Kitson & Partners’ portfolio includes 1.5 million square feet of retail shopping centers, 6.8 million square feet of commercial entitlements, and 21,500 entitled residential units. With a 24-year track record and long-term institutional capital, Kitson & Partners’ operational expertise and financial strength are unparalleled in the Florida real estate development business.


About Babcock Ranch
Located in Southwest Florida just north of Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch is an innovative town that sets a whole new standard for sustainable, responsible growth. From the largest solar-plus-storage system operating in the U.S. today and expansive public green spaces and trails to the gigabyte of fiber-optic connectivity standard to every home and and free wi-fi everywhere you may roam, it’s a place where families can benefit from the most advanced technologies, then walk out their doors to reconnect with nature and neighbors. Babcock Ranch will ultimately include 19,500 homes and six million square feet of commercial space.

Pilot John Boudreaux died after his 2008 Bowers Fly Baby single-engine plane lost power and crashed into trees north of Highway 90 near Cooper Lane in the Holt area of Tennessee

 Pilot John Boudreaux died after his 2008 Bowers Fly Baby single-engine plane lost power and crashed into trees north of Highway 90 near Cooper Lane in the Holt area of Tennessee

The Bowers Fly Baby is a homebuilt, single-seat, open-cockpit, wood and fabric low-wing monoplane that was designed by famed United States aircraft designer and Boeing historian, Peter M. Bowers.





Update 3:15 p.m.

Authorities have released the identify of the pilot killed Friday morning when his single-engine plane crashed into trees north of Highway 90 near Cooper Lane in the Holt area.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office tentatively identified the victim as John Boudreaux of Memphis, Tennessee, in a news release. The Medical Examiner's Office must still confirm the identity.

Boudreaux reportedly took off from George T. McCutchan Airfield in Santa Rosa County at about 9:30 a.m.

Witnesses in the Holt area told authorities they saw a plane flying low at about 10 a.m. and heard its engine shut off and then come back on. One witness reportedly saw the small aircraft go down somewhere north of Highway 90.

First responders were searching the area when a resident of Joseph Cook Road reported he had located the aircraft, tail #N107KW, in trees south of his property.

Boudreaux was founded deceased at the scene.

Original story

One person died when their single-engine plane crashed near Holt in Okaloosa County on Friday morning, according to a news release from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

A witness called 9-1-1 shortly after 10 a.m. and reported a small plane flying over his property with its engine sputtering.

First responders arriving at the crash scene in an area east of Highway 90 near Cooper Lane found the pilot deceased.

The individual's identity has not yet been released.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified of the incident.


Narrative:
Following a probable loss of engine power, the aircraft, an experimental Wilson built Flybaby, impacted field terrain near Holt in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airplane sustained unreported damage and the sole pilot on board was fatally injured.

Sources:
https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2018/10/19/pilot-killed-single-engine-plane-crash-near-holt/1696800002/
https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20181019/pilot-reported-killed-in-holt-plane-crash
https://www.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&entry=s&sa=X&ll=30.7105327,-86.7712746&z=13&ftid=0x88910505c2e3134f:0xe199322f77569fa3&q=Joseph+Cook+Rd,+Florida+32564&gmm=CgIgAQ%3D%3D&ved=2ahUKEwjJm_uDtpPeAhWqhFQKHdc8BJQQ8gEwAHoECAoQAQ
https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N107KW%20

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowers_Fly_Baby

Date: 19-OCT-2018
Time: 10:00
Type: Bowers Fly Baby
Owner/operator: Private
Registration: N107KW
C/n / msn: 01
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 0
Aircraft damage: Unknown
Location: near Holt, Okaloosa County, FL - United States of America
Phase: Unknown
Nature: Unknown
Departure airport:

Destination airport: