a tanker truck struck a stopped car in front of it, rolled over into a ditch, and spilled diesel fuel in that crash in Iowa

Tanker truck spill reported in metro crash
 






UPDATED 11:22 AM CDT Aug 20, 2015

DES MOINES, Iowa —A traffic backup caused by a crash on Interstate 80/35 westbound has apparently led to another rollover crash on Interstate 80 westbound near the east Mixmaster Thursday morning.
 
The initial crash was reported in I-80/35 near 14th Street just before 8 a.m. That crash blocked the westbound center lane, backing up traffic for more than a mile to the east Mixmaster, where westbound traffic was also slowed.

Dispatchers are reporting a second crash after 8 a.m. on I-80 east of the Mixmaster near Berwick. Dispatchers indicated a tanker truck had struck a car in front of it, rolled over into a ditch, and spilled diesel fuel in that crash.



KCCI's Emmy Victor said no drivers were seriously injured in the crash. The driver of the truck sustained head lacerations. The truck did spill fuel in the crash, but workers have stopped the leak. No word on how much fuel was spilled.


Officers at the scene said traffic would be tied up for much of the morning due to the cleanup effort. There are no reports of injuries so far. Check KCCI.com and KCCI 8 News for updates on this developing story.

Male driver killed after a vehicle was struck by a NJ Transit train near Westwood Station in Bergen County around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday

Pascack Valley Line service resumes after fatal crash
 Thane Grauel, tgrauel@lohud.com 2:06 p.m. EDT August 20, 2015




All service on the Pascack Valley Line has resumed after a fatal crash involving a train originating in Spring Valley and a car.

NJ Transit said a vehicle was struck by a train near Westwood Station in Bergen County around 5:45 a.m. on Thursday. A man in his late 80s had driven onto the tracks at a First Street grade crossing and headed east before being hit by the 5:10 a.m. train out of Spring Valley, said Jennifer Nelson, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit.

The fiery crash occurred just west of the Lincoln Boulevard crossing. The man has not been identified yet.

There were 110 passengers on the train, but none were injured, Nelson said. They were evacuated and put on buses from a nearby Stop & Shop parking lot.

The Pascack Valley Line extends into Rockland, with Metro-North stations in Spring Valley, Nanuet and Pearl River.

NJ Transit rail tickets and passes were cross-honored on NJ Transit and private carrier buses, the railroad said in an alert.

Local police and fire officials did not release any further information.

Sheriff: A woman killed in a boat crash with a personal watercraft on Pactola Reservoir died of "multiple blunt force trauma."

Victim Of Pactola Boat Crash Died Of 'Blunt Force Trauma'

POSTED: 01:39 PM CDT Aug 20, 2015











RAPID CITY, S.D. -

Authorities say a Rapid City woman killed in a boat crash on Pactola Reservoir died of "multiple blunt force trauma."

The Pennington County Sheriff's Office released the autopsy results Thursday as part of its investigation into the death of 33-year-old Gabrielle Fisher. Fisher was one of two people on a boat that collided with a personal watercraft on Friday, Aug. 14.

The 29-year-old personal watercraft driver, Jody Kreycik, is facing charges of boating under the influence and second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 11 years in prison if convicted.

Pactola Reservoir is about 20 miles east of Rapid City.

Two construction workers were injured on Thursday in separate workplace accidents only a few kilometres apart in Montreal.

Workers examine a hole next to a building at 755 Berri into which a worker fell, in Montreal Aug. 20, 2015. Phil Carpenter / Montreal Gazette

 Workers and a CSST investigator examine a hole behind a building at 755 Berri into which a worker fell, Aug. 20, 2015. Phil Carpenter / Montreal Gazette

 Workers gather underneath the Bonaventure Expressway at Mill Street where a worker fell Aug. 20, 2015. Phil Carpenter / Montreal Gazette

  Jesse Feith, Montreal Gazette
  Published on: August 20, 2015


Workers gather underneath the Bonaventure Expressway at Mill Street where a worker fell Aug. 20, 2015. Phil Carpenter / Montreal Gazette


Two construction workers were injured on Thursday in separate workplace accidents only a few kilometres apart in Montreal.

Early Thursday morning, a worker in his 30s was seriously injured after falling about nine metres from a forklift at the Bonaventure Expressway construction site.

According to CSD Construction union representative Marco Patenaude, the man was hospitalized and treated for broken ribs and internal bleeding, among other injuries.

He apparently did not suffer head injuries, however, and his life was not in danger. He was quickly joined by his father at the hospital and said to be in stable condition come early afternoon.

The accident happened around 4:50 a.m. near Riverside St. on the east side of the Peel Basin.

Patenaude said workers were at the end of their night shift when a box was raised with a forklift toward the overpass so workers could store their tools before wrapping up for the night.

For reasons that aren’t yet clear, Patenaude said, the man climbed into the box that had been raised, tipping it forward and sending him crashing to the ground below.

Workers tended to him on the site before he was quickly brought to the hospital. At least one other worker, who witnessed the fall, was brought to the hospital to be treated for possible shock.

In a separate incident around 8 a.m., a 55-year-old worker fell about two metres from scaffolding that was set up inside a five-metre-deep hole on a construction site behind a building on Berri St. The man had heard a sound coming from above, and lost his footing when he looked up to see what it was.

He suffered back and neck injuries, but never lost consciousness after falling.

The CSST is looking into both accidents.

The safety board says about 700 falls from height occur on construction sites across Quebec each year. Last year, five construction workers died in Quebec from falling from sites while on the job.

In the Montreal area alone, 59 workers were injured from falls in 2014.

“It’s the principal risk that we deal with each year,” said CSST spokesperson Maxime Boucher. “Unfortunately it happens almost every single day.”

jfeith@montrealgazette.com

Twitter.com/jessefeith




Two workers injured in separate construction-site accidents

A construction worker is in serious condition after falling about nine metres off a forklift at the Bonaventure Expressway construction site.

An American Electric Power employee was electrocuted when he touched a 19,000 volt line, his turck caught fire

By Eric Lyttle 
The Columbus Dispatch

Thursday August 20, 2015


An American Electric Power employee was flown to Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center in cardiac arrest this morning after touching a live power line at a construction site in Licking County.

The jolt, which scanner traffic indicated might have been as much as 19,000 volts, was strong enough to spark a fire to the AEP work truck and a nearby utility pole, and caused a power outage to more than 400 Heath businesses and residences, including the Indian Mound Mall and a number of traffic signals.

The incident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. at a 60,000-square-foot building under construction on the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority campus near the southeast corner of the intersection at James Parkway and Kaiser Drive.

AEP Ohio spokesman Jeff Rennie said that all power to the area was restored shortly before 1 p.m.

No other information on the victim was available.

A satellite dish worker fell to his death while working on a satellite dish on the roof of a West Knox County house

AUGUST 19, 2015

KNOXVILLE, TN

A man fell to his death while working on a satellite dish on the roof of a West Knox County house Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.  He was a satellite dish worker.

The homeowner called E-911 shortly after 4:30 p.m. when he found the victim on the ground at 7711 Cherokee Springs Way, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives said the death appears to have been accidental.

The victim’s name has not been released, pending notification of family.More details as they develop online and in Thursday’s News Sentinel

Road maintenance worker dies after being struck on 174 median, between Montreal Road, Jeanne D'Arc exits

CBC News Posted: Aug 20, 2015 1:21 PM ET Last Updated: Aug 20, 2015 4:16 PM ET



A black SUV struck a landscape maintenance worker on the 174 median early Thursday afternoon. Police and the Ministry of Labour are investigating. (CBC News)


A worker has died after being struck by an SUV in the median of Regional Road 174 on Thursday.

It happened between the Montreal Road and Jeanne D'Arc exits at about 12:55 p.m.


The 174 was expected to remain closed until at least 6 p.m. Thursday to allow police to analyze the scene. (CBC News)

The worker was thrown several metres by the force of the crash and had no vital signs when paramedics arrived. He was taken to hospital in critical condition with severe trauma and was later pronounced dead.

His identity has not been released. Paramedics said he was conducting landscape maintenance on the median.

The driver of the black SUV, which was heading west on the 174 at the time of the crash, suffered facial, head and back injuries and was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition, paramedics said.

He had to be extricated from the vehicle by firefighters.

Paramedics said his condition later improved to stable.

The 174 is closed in both directions between the Blair and Jeanne D'Arc exits while police and Ministry of Labour officials investigate. The road is expected to remain closed until at least 6 p.m. Thursday.
Source:http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/worker-dies-after-being-struck-on-174-median-police-say-1.3197885

NTSB to Hold Back-to-School Event Highlighting Safe Transport of Children, because motor vehicle-related deaths are the second leading cause of death for children ages 1–4

8/20/2015




​ WASHINGTON, DC

The National Transportation Safety Board — in coordination with Loudoun County Public Schools, Safe Kids Fairfax County, Youth of Virginia Speak Out, Virginia Safe Routes to School, and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office — will hold a free public event highlighting transportation safety for school-age children. 

This event will feature demonstrations on school bus safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and child safety seats, as families prepare for the new school year.

Each year, more than 30,000 people are killed on the nation’s roadways, and more than 2,000 are school-age. Motor vehicle-related deaths are the second leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, and the leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 5–24.

The joint back-to-school event will arm parents, kids and communities, with life-saving transportation safety tips.

Event:
Press Conference

Date/Time:
Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 10 a.m.

Location:
Trailside Middle School
20325 Claiborne Parkway
Ashburn, VA 20147

NTSB has opened an investigation into the accident that occurred when an Airbus A321 jetliner suffered substantial damage following a tail strike during an attempted landing.

NTSB Opens Investigation Into Tail Strike Accident in Charlotte, North Carolina 


8/19/2015




​ WASHINGTON, DC

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into Saturday’s accident that occurred when a passenger jetliner suffered substantial damage following a tail strike during an attempted landing.

On August 15, 2015, at about 6:34 pm eastern daylight time, an Airbus A321, operated by American Airlines as Flight 1851 inbound from Atlanta, reportedly encountered wind shear on final approach to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airplane impacted runway approach lights followed by an airplane tail to runway impact. The flight crew then performed a go-around maneuver and completed the landing. No injuries were reported; however, the airplane was substantially damaged.

The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder have been brought to the NTSB laboratory in Washington where they are being downloaded and analyzed.

The investigation will include an examination of weather conditions at the time of the event, airplane performance, and operational factors.

Investigative updates will be issued as circumstance warrant.

Maritime piracy has experienced a resurgence recently, and the U.S. Navy has developed a method of identifying pirate ships before they strike.

U.S. Navy Models Piracy


By MarEx 2015-08-20 14:52:04

Maritime piracy has experienced a resurgence recently, and the U.S. Navy has developed a method of identifying pirate ships before they strike. The Navy Research Laboratory’s (NRL) new model combines weather and wave analysis with maritime piracy behavior profiles of a specific region to predict when commercial vessels are most at risk.

The profiles are based on the type of vessels typically used by regional pirates, their attack speed and the speed in which they return to their hideouts. Pirates primarily use small, fast watercrafts that are highly vulnerable to high winds and rough seas. The system also analyzes wind and wave data to determine the conditions in which vessels are most susceptible to attack.

The pirate model predicts the track of pirate attacks as a function of time under the impact of environmental constraints. The NRL states pirates typically attack in areas with higher shipping density and when seas are relatively calm. Wind is also a deterrent in the frequency of attacks. Pirates generally attack ships when they are vulnerable and the weather conditions are favorable.

The U.S. Navy states piracy costs the U.S. maritime industry about $16 billion annually. The NRL report models could be particularly vital in slowing Southeast Asian piracy. Piracy in the region is reaching all-time highs as oil demand and the thriving black markets fuel attacks.

In July, Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) said incidents of piracy and armed robbery had risen 18 percent in the first half of 2015 when compared to the same time period in 2014.

Click here to read the NRL’s full report.

The Petroleum Safety Authority of Norway has completed its investigation into two incidents which occurred on the Eldfisk complex, asks for more explanations from ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Gets "Please Explain" Letter
Eldfisk FTP courtesy of ConocoPhillips

By MarEx 2015-08-20 17:27:55

The Petroleum Safety Authority of Norway has completed its investigation into two incidents which occurred on the Eldfisk complex on August 6-8, 2014, and written a “please explain” letter to ConocoPhillips.

The highest emergency shutdown level (yellow ESD – abandon platform) was initiated on the Eldfisk complex and Embla on the morning of August 6. This caused total loss of power and all systems shut down on the Eldfisk A, Eldfisk FTP and Embla installations, while Eldfisk E lost main power.

The ESD was unplanned. Its direct cause was the technical failure of an electronic component combined with a design error.

When restarting production after the ESD, a blowdown valve remained in the open position. It should have been reset to the closed position as part of the start-up procedure. That caused produced oil to flow into the flare system, on into the drain system and from there to the sea.

At dawn on August 7, oil was observed on the sea. Production was not shut down until 13.30 on August 7, since the size of the oil slick was increasing. The oil spill is estimated to have been in the order of 50-70 cubic meters.

The PSA’s investigation of the incident has identified several breaches of the regulations of a technical and operational character. Some of the technical nonconformities relate to Eldfisk FTP’s condition at the time of the incident.

Eleven non-conformities were identified by the investigation. These relate to:
• risk management during start-up of production after the emergency shutdown
(yellow ESD)
• off-duty periods
• safety clearance when restarting production
• procedures
• robustness against single errors and faults in safety systems
• verification of design requirements for the safety systems before start-up and
operation
• lack of independence between control and shutdown functions for level measurement
• barrier management, risk assessments and analyses in connection with modifications
• updating of documentation in connection with modifications
• consequence classification of systems and equipment
• maintenance program for the drain system.

Two improvement points were also identified:
• performance requirements for emergency response
• training and drills.

The facility has subsequently been shut down and now functions primarily as a bridge support.

The PSA has written and asked the operator ConocoPhillips to describe how it intends to deal with the nonconformities. ConocoPhillips has until September 15 to respond.

The full investigation report is available here.

OSHA directive explains new process to assist early resolution of whistleblower complaints

August 19, 2015
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

OSHA directive explains new process to assist early resolution of
whistleblower complaints

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued policies and procedures* for applying a new process for resolving whistleblower disputes. The new process is an early resolution process that is to be used as part of a regional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program. The ADR program offers whistleblower parties the opportunity to negotiate a settlement with the assistance of a neutral, confidential OSHA representative who has subject-matter expertise in whistleblower investigations. The Administrative Dispute Resolution Act* requires that each federal agency "adopt a policy that addresses the use of alternative means of dispute resolution and case management."

"OSHA receives several thousand whistleblower complaints for investigation each year," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "The Alternative Dispute Resolution process can be a valuable alternative to the expensive and time consuming process of an investigation and litigation. It will provide whistleblower complainants and respondents the option of exploring voluntary resolution of their disputes outside of the traditional investigative process."

OSHA piloted an ADR program in two of its regions from October 2012 to September 2013. The pilot proved that the early resolution ADR process is a successful method for helping parties to reach a mutual and voluntary outcome to their whistleblower cases. The pilot program demonstrated that having staff dedicated to facilitating settlement negotiations provides an efficient and effective service that is highly desired by complainants and respondents alike.

The success of the early resolution ADR process has resulted in the agency making it available to all of its regions. This directive does not prohibit OSHA whistleblower offices from offering complainants and respondents other alternative dispute resolution processes, such as third-party mediation.

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of 22 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities laws, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, maritime, health care, workplace safety and health regulations, and consumer product safety laws. For more information, please visit www.whistleblowers.gov.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

A crew from Coast Guard Station Marquette, Michigan rescued three people from Lake Superior after their 20-foot sailboat capsized

A capsized 20-foot sailing vessel floats in Lake Superior about 200 yards outside the breakwall near the Lower Harbor in Marquette, Mich., Aug. 19, 2015. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Smith)
Aug 20th, 2015 

SAULT STE. MARIE – A crew from Coast Guard Station Marquette, Michigan rescued three people from Lake Superior after their 20-foot sailboat capsized Wednesday.

Just before 6 p.m., the crew from Station Marquette received notification from Marquette County Central Dispatch of the capsized sailing vessel located approximately 200 yards outside the breakwall of Marquette’s Lower Harbor.

The boat crew launched aboard a 25-foot response boat, arrived on scene within minutes and recovered the three adults from the 65-degree water. Two of the individuals were wearing life jackets. There were no reports of any injuries or pollution.

The capsized sailboat was recovered by good Samaritans in another sailing vessel and then brought back into the harbor.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to be aware of the weather conditions before venturing out onto the water, and to wear your life jacket at all times.

“We can’t stress enough the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times while you’re underway. It’s extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you’re in the water,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Henry Wilson, a member of the responding rescue crew and the coxswain on the boat.

Coast Guard rescues 4 after boat runs aground in Chincoteague, Virginia

 

 
August 20th, 2015


CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. — 

The Coast Guard rescued four people Wednesday from a grounded vessel in Chincoteague.

Coast Guard Station Chincoteague watchstanders received notification Tuesday at approximately 8 p.m. that a 24-foot pontoon boat with four people aboard ran aground near Chincoteague Point.

Station Chincoteague launched a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft-Shallow Water boat crew and arrived on scene. Due to rainy weather and 25-knot winds, the crew decided to transport the stranded boaters rather than tow the boat. The crew brought the people aboard and transported them to Curtis Merritt Marina in Chincoteague. Local EMS personnel evaluated the passengers upon arrival. No injuries were reported.

The owner plans to attempt to salvage the vessel.

NEW JERSEY FIREFIGHTER BURNED AT CAR AND HOUSE FIRE

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 

A firefighter was injured battling a car fire that spread to a home Monday afternoon, police said.  At about 2:30 p.m. Monday, police and firefighters responded to a Jacksonville Road home for multiple reports of a car fire, Capt. Christopher DePuyt said.

Upon arrival, the car, a Saturn Outlook parked in a driveway, was fully engulfed in flames and the fire had spread to the side of the nearby house, DePuyt said.

Police evacuated the home and the fire department extinguished the fire, DePuyt said.

One fireman from Pequannock Fire Co. 2 suffered burns to his neck and was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for treatment, DePuyt said.

The homeowner said she had arrived home after driving the Saturn and noticed a strange smell in the car. She then parked the car and entered the house, DePuyt said.

A short time later, a neighbor alerted the homeowner to the fire, DePuyt said.

The fire does not appear suspicious but the incident remains under investigation, DePuyt said Tuesday.

UPDATE: 3 FIREFIGHTERS KILLED AFTER VEHICLE CRASH-OVERTAKEN BY WILDFIRE, OTHERS INJURED

Thursday, August 20, 2015 

Updates this morning indicate that the three Firefighters who died in the Line of Duty yesterday fighting that wildfire near Twisp were engaged in initial attack operations and involved in a vehicle crash on Woods Canyon Road, when it is believed the fire overtook the vehicle.

Other reports are that they were able to get out of the vehicle and deployed shelters but subsequently lost their lives.

They were part of the initial fire response to that wildfire that started shortly after noon up Woods Canyon Road, which is off Twisp River Road. That area is about 5 miles west of Twisp.

Initial reports are that the wind suddenly shifted and the U.S. Forest Service Firefighters who were killed, became trapped as the Twisp River Fire turned back on them.

The four injured firefighters suffered burns and were transported from the scene. One of the injured firefighters, a 25-year-old, was airlifted to Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition. Of those four injured firefighters, one worked for the Forest Service, two worked for the state Department of Natural Resources and one was a DNR contractor. It wasn’t immediately clear if the four injured were also involved in the crash.


In Washington there are 11 counties and four tribes affected or threatened by fires. The fires have already destroyed more than 50 homes, 60 other structures, and more than 235,000 acres of land. Conditions this morning remain terrible and the fires are continuing to spread-combine that with limited resources and the potn tial remains for more devastation.

The Triple LODD Wednesday wasn’t the first time that Firefighters lost their lives fighting wildfires in Washington. On July 10, 2001, four U.S. Forest Service firefighters died while at the Thirty Mile Fire in Okanogan County. That was the second deadliest fire in Washington history. In 1974, five Firefighters died when a vehicle overturned.
KTIYP's.

Burn, baby burn. There aren't enough firefighters to fight all the Western wildfires.

LITTLE TO NO RESOURCES! "WHEN A WASHINGTON STATE FIRE CHIEF CALLED FOR HELP...AND THERE WAS NONE"





Thursday, August 20, 2015 

As the flames drew closer, the fire chief called and called for help. But three other major wildfires were burning in Stevens County, Wash., and no one was left to respond.

Whipped by 40- to 50-mph winds, the new blaze on the Spokane Reservation sent up a column of smoke as it churned north toward a rural community of about 2,000 people east of the Columbia River.

The only thing that stood in the way: Stevens County Fire District 2 Chief Rick Anderson and his small crew of volunteers.

For almost 24 hours, Anderson and 11 other firefighters fought the blaze alone, with pickup trucks carrying 300-gallon water tanks.

It was a costly and deeply personal battle waged on home turf, with two firefighters battling to save their parents’ home, another defending his in-laws’ house, and another losing 120 acres of his timber to the flames.

There aren't enough firefighters to fight all the Western wildfires.

Anderson watched the flames cross a road named for his grandfather and counted even more personal losses.

The fire near Fruitland started Friday night and remained out of control Wednesday, still threatening houses and adding to the mounting toll of destruction from this year’s fire season. 

Fires currently burning have scorched more than 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Northwest, and dozens of homes have been destroyed.



READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-washington-fire-chief-20150819-story.html











The Chief Gets A Hug...But Needs More
Than That

Firefighters were forced to leave a $300,000 fire engine behind as they were fighting a brush fire in Washington State; the engine was destroyed

FIRE APPARATUS DESTROYED IN WASHINGTON STATE




Thursday, August 20, 2015 

The fire was in a wheat field near Gish Road, Lewis County officials said, but it was near a large, 10,000-pound propane tank on a chicken farm.

Donna Sauer says she saw dense, black smoke when she looked out her front yard Wednesday. She immediately started packing up her animals and getting ready to go.

“I was a little on edge because i moved here from Missouri, and my house burned down three years ago. So I was like, not again!”

Dozens of families in the area had to evacuate, when the brush fire made its way to a chicken farm. There was a 10,000-pound propane tank on the property and firefighters were worried it might explode.

“This is the nightmare for a rural district,” says Salkum Fire Chief Duran McDaniel.

Firefighters thought they could stop the fire before it got to the propane tank. But when the winds started picking up, they found themselves in jeopardy.

“To have to turn and get out is not in your nature, never been in your nature,” says McDaniel.

They were forced to leave a $300,000 fire engine behind.

“We did have an engine that got lost in the fire. It was more of a concern for the people around, and getting everybody evacuated.”

Air crews helped them get control of the fire, and they were able to prevent the tank from exploding. Late Wednesday night, Highway 12 was reopened and Sauer was allowed to return home.

“I’m so happy that none of my neighbors were hurt or anything like that.”
McDaniel agrees, even though he wishes they could have saved the barns on the chicken farm.

“I’m thankful that everyone is OK. That was the price, unfortunately. It’s life first. That’s the route we had to go.”

Firefighters believe a tractor driving down a rural road sparked the fire. They have a perimeter around the fire, so they don’t think it will spread anymore. But it will still be a while before it’s completely out.

Four firefighters were injured while fighting a two-alarm fire at an apartment building in Prince George’s County in Maryland

Thursday, August 20, 2015 

Four firefighters were injured while fighting a two-alarm fire at an apartment building in Prince George’s County on Thursday.

One suffered burns to his hand that were serious but not life-threatening, two others sustained less serious burns and the fourth injured an ankle. 

The three with burns were taken to the burn unit at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and the fourth was transported to another area hospital.

More than 20 residents and a pet dog were displaced by the fire, which broke out in a three-story, eight-unit apartment building in the 11700 block of South Laurel Drive in Laurel, according to Mark Brady, a spokesman with the Prince George’s County Fire Department.

All of the residents escaped the building before firefighters arrived, including at least one person in the top-floor unit where the fire began, he said.

The fire gutted the apartment where it erupted. The cause was under investigation.

1 killed in crash on US-70 Business near I-40

A moving truck collided with three vehicles

Monday, August 17, 2015 05:28PM

GARNER, NC (WTVD) --

The Garner Police Department is investigating a crash on US Hwy 70 Business near I-40 Monday morning that left one person dead and two more with serious injuries.

It happened just before 9 a.m. when police said a Two Men And A Truck moving van collided with a disabled Honda in the eastbound lanes.

Investigators on the scene of a crash on US 70 Business

The driver of the Honda, Lenae Mary Rebecca Dew, of Raleigh, died.

The Freightliner truck then crossed the median into the westbound lanes and hit two SUVs.

Three people in those vehicles were taken to the hospital. Two have serious injuries.

One car was destroyed in the crash.

Police said the crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed.

Two Men And A Truck issued a statement Monday afternoon.

"The local franchise is working both internally and with local authorities during the ongoing accident investigation. Words cannot convey our sympathy for all those impacted by the accident and our thoughts and prayers are with them," it said.

Investigators to recommend manslaughter charge against the freak Caitlyn Jenner

Caitlyn Jenner (AP)

Updated 2 hrs 17 mins ago

LOS ANGELES, CA --

Sheriff's investigators plan to recommend prosecutors file a vehicular manslaughter charge against Caitlyn Jenner for her role in a fatal car crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu last February.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida says investigators found that Jenner was driving "unsafe for the prevailing road conditions" because her SUV rear-ended a Lexus, pushing it into oncoming traffic.

The Lexus driver, 69-year-old Kim Howe, was killed when her car was struck head-on by a Hummer.

Nishida says the case will be presented for final review next week. The district attorney will determine what charges Jenner ultimately faces.

If convicted of such a charge, Jenner would face up to one year in county jail.

Lightning sparks fire at Crystal Beach crude oil storage facility in Texas

Lightning sparks fire at oil storage facility in Crystal Beach

Updated 29 mins ago

CRYSTAL BEACH, TX (KTRK) --

Lightning is to blame for a fire that burned through an oil storage facility on Crystal Beach.

The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management says the fire started after a lightning strike at approximately 7:13am at a crude oil tank farm on North Monkhouse Road near the Intracoastal Waterway.

Video sent by witnesses to the ABC-13 newsroom showed flames and smoke rising from the facility.

The fire is now out, and the container is covered with foam. Officials say there were approximately 400 barrels of crude oil on site.

The oil tank that caught fire was decommissioned four years ago.

The Intracoastal Waterway was briefly closed while firefighters battled the fire. It is now back open.

There are no reports of any injuries.

SHALL WE BELIEVE THEM? New York City health official says Legionnaires' disease outbreak is over; source ID'd as Opera House Hotel

Mike Waterhouse

Updated 2 hrs 10 mins ago

NEW YORK (WABC) --

New York City's top health official announced Thursday that the city's largest outbreak of Legionnaires' disease is now over.

During a news conference at the New York City Health Laboratory, Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said officials are confident the spread of the disease has stopped.

Bassett also identified the Bronx Opera House Hotel' cooling tower as the originating source of the outbreak. She said tests from three different labs confirmed that 25 samples from people who contracted the disease -- some of whom died from the disease -- were linked to the genetic code of the Legionella bacteria found at the hotel's tower.

A health department worker showed the genetic makeup of different strains of Legionella bacteria that was collected during the testing, and the hotel's strain was a match. Other sites that tested positive did not match.

The hotel issued a statement after Thursday's briefing.

"It's particularly disappointing because our system is two years old, has the most up-to-date technology available and our maintenance plan has been consistent with the regulations that both the city and the state are putting in place," a spokesperson for the hotel said. "We have worked closely with both the City and the State since this issue first arose and have done everything requested to address the situation. Tests completed just yesterday confirm that our tank is completely clear of any Legionella pneumophila."

The spokesperson said the hotel is taking preventive measures that will beat the new regulations.

"We fully support the new regulations. We believe they are appropriate and will enhance the protection of public health. That said, we intend to go beyond the requirement to test our cooling tower every 90 days by testing every 30 days when the tower is in operation. Given recent events, we have decided to be especially cautious going forward," the spokesperson said.

The Opera House was among the first five locations that city officials identified as spreading the disease via cooling tower.
RELATED: Facts: What is Legionnaires' disease?

The outbreak was contained to specific sections of the South Bronx. A widespread and mandatory cooling tower testing effort found 14 cooling towers testing positive for Legionella bacteria within that zone. All were cleaned.

City officials said Legionella is spread through the mist expelled from cooling towers at the top of buildings, and those who contract the disease breathe it in.

In all, a total of 124 cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported in that area of the city since July 10. Out of those cases, 12 people died, and all had other health conditions when they became infected with the bacteria. No new cases have been reported since Aug. 3.

RELATED: What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease?

As a result of the record outbreak of the disease, Mayor Bill de Blasio introduced legislation requiring regular testing of cooling towers citywide. City council passed it last Thursday.

Then on Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced emergency health regulations that require the testing and inspection of cooling towers statewide.

69-year old woman crossing outside crosswalk crushed and killed by MTA bus in Midtown, NYC

Eyewitness News

Updated 54 mins ago

NEW YORK (WABC) --

A woman was fatally struck by an MTA Express bus while crossing 57th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue Thursday morning.

According to a spokesperson, the 69-year-old woman was crossing in the middle of the street, not in a cross walk, when she was hit by the front left side of the bus around 9:40 a.m.

She was knocked over and then run over. The victim has been identified as Rochelle Wahrman of Manhattan.

She was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she later died. Police identified her as Rochelle Wahrman, who lived on the Upper East Side.

The bus driver is being interviewed.

It is unclear how many, if any, passengers were on the bus -- an X1 that runs between Manhattan and Staten Island -- at the time.

The investigation is ongoing.

18 soldiers at Fort Bragg injured by lightning

Fort Bragg (Photo by Lou Guilette)

Updated 37 mins ago

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- 

 

Eighteen soldiers were hospitalized Wednesday night following a lightning strike during routine training, the 82nd Airborne Division said Thursday.


A Division spokesman said eight soldiers have been discharged from Womack Army Medical Center and released to their primary care doctors, while nine remain hospitalized at the base. Another soldier is being monitored at UNC Hospitals. That soldier was transferred from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville because there were no beds available Wednesday night.

The incident occurred during live fire training at Fort Bragg. Just after 8 p.m., 58 1st Squadron, 73rd Calvary Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division soldiers were huddled in an after-action review as storms rolled through.

It's unclear whether they were inside or outside a tent at the time of the strike, a spokesman said.

Following the strike, the paratroopers executed a safety drill.

"The soldiers and the leaders did what they were trained to do," said spokesman Master Sergeant Patrick Malone. "They conducted lightning drill safety, moving from higher ground and spreading low across the ground."

Malone said the hospitalized soldiers showed symptoms of dizziness and numbness to their extremities.

Shaw University student killed in motorcycle accident after he was going too fast and lost control

Bryant Darnell Williams

By Heather Waliga

Updated 2 mins ago

RALEIGH (WTVD) --

Shaw University students are trying to cope with the sudden loss of a classmate just days into a new semester.

Twenty-six-year-old Bryant Darnell Williams died Wednesday evening after a motorcycle crash near his east Raleigh home.

Police say Williams lost control of the bike on Carthage Circle near Piedmont Drive because he was speeding, less than a block from his house.

Williams was taken to WakeMed where he later died.

Friends and family remembered his life Thursday afternoon during a prayer vigil on Shaw's campus.

A memorial service for Bryant Darnell Williams. (A memorial service for Bryant Darnell Williams.)

"To me personally he was a lover of life. He motivated other people to do what they felt was right all the time. He looked out for everybody," said Williams' brother Marvin Cannon.

Friends say Williams went back to school to provide a better life for his 5-year-old daughter.



He majored in Recreation Management and played the tuba in the Shaw University Band.

Williams was set to graduate in May.

On Thursday, Shaw University released a statement on his death:

"Any time we lose a Bear, it is saddening. But to lose one as young and promising as Bryant is heartbreaking," said Shaw University President Tashni Dubroy. "To say that this is a shock to the Shaw University family is huge understatement. Bryant's death reminds us of the rich relationships that we have at Shaw University. During the remainder of the semester, we can honor Bryant by continuing to nurture and cultivate those relationships. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryant's family right now."

Bryant is the second Shaw student in the past year to be killed in a motorcycle accident.

Last October, 22-year-old De'Andre Jamar Jackson, known on campus as "Kountry," was headed west on Clark Avenue in Cameron Village when a 1998 Lexus LS400 traveling east, driven by 65-year-old Ernestine Leach turned left in front his 2008 Suzuki GSX1300RX motorcycle causing a collision. Leach was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle.

Shaw University will posthumously award Williams his degree at his funeral.

No arrangements have been set.

Another vigil for Williams is being planned for Saturday at Shaw.

Crane operator injured after crane tipped over in Manayunk in Philadelphia, PA

A crane tipped over in Manayunk on Thursday morning.

Updated 13 mins ago

MANAYUNK (WPVI) -- 

 

A crane operator was injured in an accident on Thursday in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia.

The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. at 1 Cotton Street.

The view from Chopper 6 shows the white crane truck tipped over on its side.

The boom was on the ground and partially resting on nearby railroad tracks.

Police say the 57-year-old operator was treated for a broken nose and bruises.

2nd victim dies after 4 young pedestrians hit by car in Burlington County

A second victim has died after a pedestrian accident in Burlington County.

Updated 26 mins ago

SOUTHAMPTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- 

 

A second victim has died after four young people were hit by a car on Tuesday evening in Southampton Township, Burlington County.

18-year-old Jairisa Galindo passed away on Wednesday night, New Jersey State Police said.

2-year-old Jyonshiel Martinez, who would have turned three in October, died shortly after the crash in the 100 block of Buddtown Road.

Two other children were critically injured. They are identified as 6-year-old Kahariel Martinez and 8-year-old John Giles.

Another child was with the group but escaped unharmed.

Some of the children were being pulled by a red wagon when they were hit.

Police say no charges are expected to be filed against the driver.

According to investigators, the young people were walking in the road and the driver of the BMW was traveling at or below the posted speed limit of 45 mph.

The victims were not wearing light clothing and did not have a flashlight, police said. They were using cell phone lights, police said, but the driver apparently could not see them.

The driver did stop at the scene and helped render aid, along with others.

2 drivers injured, Route 611 closed in Warrington Twp., Pa. after collision between a pickup truck and an SUV

Crash on Route 611 in Warrington, Pa.

Thursday, August 20, 2015 12:24PM

WARRINGTON TWP., Pa. (WPVI) --

Route 611 in Warrington Township, Pa. is closed after a crash.

Two vehicles collided at 9:16 a.m. Thursday.

The view from Chopper 6 showed a pickup truck and an SUV with heavy damage.

Police are investigating whether the pickup veered into oncoming traffic.

Route 611 is expected to be closed for some time between Stagner Avenue and Kelly Road.

Both drivers have been taken to the hospital. There was no word on their conditions.

Olympic Trading Corporation A food warehouse fire in Winlock, WA triggered a vegetable oil spill into Olequa Creek which killed all species and sizes of fish for at least 5 miles downstream

Vegetable oil spill kills aquatic life in Olequa Creek
Emergency responders trying to stop more pollution

Kohr Harlan and KOIN 6 News Staff

Published: August 19, 2015



WINLOCK, Wash. (KOIN) — 

A food warehouse fire in Winlock triggered a vegetable oil spill into Olequa Creek which killed all species and sizes of fish for at least 5 miles downstream, the Washington State Department of Ecology said.

The fire began Tuesday, but environmental experts are still trying to contain the hazardous cooking oil.

The pallets of burned bottled water and food at the Olympic Trading Corporation in Winlock are still smouldering. The building had recently taken delivery of either vegetable or canola oil. During the fire the oil spilled out of containers into storm drains leading to Olequa Creek.


Department of Ecology workers are busy trying to clean up a portion of the creek that bunched up behind a log jam, using spongers and other absorbent materials to get as much oil off the surface of the creek as possible.

Once the oil gets to the creek there is simply no easy way of getting it out. The creek feeds downstream into the Cowlitz River.

Ron Holcomb, a hazardous materials specialist organizing the clean up, said they’ve managed to contain most of the oil within about a half-mile downstream of where it went into the water.

But remains of small fish are showing up several miles down Olequa Creek.

“When oil hits the water, in a sense we’ve lost a lot of the battle because especially in a river it’s going to move. It moves fast, oil spreads out and we’re not right there when it happens so we’re playing a little catch up,” Holcomb said.

Chase Gallagher with the Department of Ecology said they “don’t believe the sheen has made it yet to the Cowlitz River, but we’re monitoring it.”

The EPA states, “Wildlife that becomes coated with animal fats or vegetable oils could die of hypothermia, dehydration and diarrhea, or starvation. Aquatic life may suffocate because of the depletion of oxygen caused by spilled animal fats and vegetable oils in water. ”

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found, “Although vegetable oils are not as acutely toxic as many petroleum products, uncontrolled releases can result in significant environmental damage.” There is no timeline for the cleanup and there are no assurances they will be able to get all the oil out.