Alabama authorities release name of man killed in Cordova, Alabama natural gas leak explosion and massive fire. 3 utility employees were also injured in the gas explosion
January 28, 2015
CORDOVA, AL (WBRC) - Cordova authorities are working to determine what caused deadly gas leak explosion on McCrory Street on Tuesday afternoon.
They are asking residents to stay away from the areas of McCrory and Branch streets. Five streets around the area have been evacuated.
By early Wednesday morning, firefighters had extinguished the flames from the explosion. Smoke was still rising from the remains around 7:30 a.m.
The coroner confirmed that 69-year-old Hillard Minor was killed in the explosion.
Three Cordova Water and Utility employees were also injured. Cordova Mayor Drew Gilbert said the workers responded to a call of a gas leak around 4 p.m. and were unloading their equipment when the explosion happened at a private residence.
Gilbert said two workers have been taken to the hospital. He said they were talking to first responders when they left the scene.
The third worker was treated by EMTs near the scene. All three workers were ultimately taken to UAB with non life-threatening injuries.
Cordova Public Safety tweeted that gas lines have been shut off in the city. They opened Long Memorial UMC as a warming station overnight Tuesday for those affected by the cut offs. Residents will be provided cots but were told to bring blanket and pillows.
Fire Chief Dean Harbison said that the blast was felt for miles.
"We've got several streets that are damaged from impact. Several miles away, this was felt. We've actually had reports that they felt the shock in Dora," Harbison said.
"We got several houses that got shattered windows. Some of them have foundation issues. But the only injuries are here, at the actual residence," he said.
Residents said they felt the force of the blast from blocks away.
"Horrific boom. I've never heard anything like it," Deborah Dubanks said.
They were saddened to hear of Hillard's death.
"I hate that a person lost their lives. It's scary it can happen to any one of us," Pat Watson said.
If you smell gas around your home, the city asks you to report it by calling 483-7378.
Alagasco is not in charge of the gas lines, but responded to the scene to help. Cordova has its own water and gas board, which is in charge of the gas lines.
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