Madison in the Morning

Madison in the Morning

Madison in the Morning, keeping Madison informed weekday mornings on 1310 WIBAFull Bio

 

1 firefighter dead, several others hurt after Sun Prairie explosion

Explosion in downtown Sun Prairie July 110, 2018. Photo courtesy Adam Meyer.


UPDATE  -- The firefighter who was in critical condition is doing better. The Sun Prairie Fire Department says that person is in stable condition and will survive.

Police Lieutenant Kevin Konopacki says 4 buildings were "obliterated". They include The Barr House, Glass Nickel, Water Tower Chop House, and an office building.  A home next to the Chop House was also severely damaged. 

Konopacki expects the area to be blocked off at least through the day. 

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UPDATE (WKOW) -- One firefighter has died and another is in critical condition after an explosion in Sun Prairie.

Sun Prairie police gave the update at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Several other firefighters who responded to the scene of a gas leak also suffered minor injuries when there was an explosion.

The area is still not safe for people, so the 1/2 mile evacuation order is still in order.

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UPDATE (WKOW) -- Two firefighters and one police officer were injured when a building exploded in downtown Sun Prairie after crews responded to a report of a natural gas leak.

Several other people received minor injuries that were treated at the command post, according to police.

However, police can't confirm yet that there are no further injuries or fatalities.

Lt. Kevin Konopacki said Tuesday evening that crews were called at 6:21 p.m. to a report of a natural gas leak at the corner of Main and Bristol streets.

After police and firefighters arrived on the scene and began to evacuate people, a building exploded shortly after 7 p.m., injuring one officer and two firefighters, who have been transported to the hospital. There is no word on their condition at this time.

The Barr House and Glass Nickel both sustained severe damage, according to Konopacki.

A contractor hit a 4-inch natural gas main, according to WE Energies spokesperson Amy Jahns. The work was not being done for WE Energies, Jahns said.

About 500 customers were without service Tuesday evening, Jahns said.

A five block area around the scene of the explosion was evacuated while crews attempted to contain the blaze. 

An evacuation center has been set up at the high school, according to Konopacki.



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