A dramatic video has surfaced capturing the terrifying moment an explosion burst forth inside an electrical room at a Washington state apartment complex, engulfing firefighters in flames and debris as they were responding to smoke reports on Sunday.
The intense footage from Tacoma depicts a team of firefighters as they pried open the door to the electrical room, unleashing a cloud of thick smoke. Just moments later, a forceful explosion blasted through the entrance, shattering windows and propelling vertical blinds and debris into the air, forcing the firefighters to hastily retreat from the building.
The person filming the event briefly diverted the camera after the explosion. Once the video readjusts, the firefighters are visible regrouping, ensuring everyone’s safety, and moving away from the severely damaged structure.
An unexpected explosion took place shortly after Tacoma firefighters managed to open the door to an apartment complex electrical room while investigating smoke reports. The violent blast sent flames and debris directly at the crew, though fortunately, no injuries were reported. (Credit: Joe D via Storyful)
According to a subsequent statement from the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD), thankfully, all firefighters and residents emerged unscathed from the incident.
Firefighters responded around 5:37 p.m. to an apartment complex at 6400 S. 12th St., after receiving reports of an explosion and smoke coming from an electrical conduit, according to the department. Fire alarms sounded after a resident pulled the alarm, prompting crews to evacuate buildings as a precaution.
“Eight buildings evacuated indefinitely. No active fire,” the TFD said in an update on X.
Firefighters and a police officer responded to an apartment complex in Tacoma, Wash., where an explosion prompted the evacuation of multiple buildings Sunday. (Tacoma Fire Department X)
Officials said an electrical transformer malfunction pushed smoke into multiple buildings while Tacoma Public Utilities and fire investigators worked to determine the cause. Apartment residents were temporarily sheltered at Hunt Middle School.
In a later update, the department said the explosion occurred inside the electrical room after firefighters shut off power to the building.
Firefighters and a police officer responded to an apartment complex in Tacoma, Wash., where an explosion prompted the evacuation of multiple buildings. (Tacoma Fire Department X)
“Explosion occurred in the electrical room where firefighters shut power off to the building,” the Tacoma Fire Department wrote on X. Tacoma Public Utilities continued investigating the cause of the blast.
The utility later cleared residents to return to every building except the 600 building while crews worked to restore power. The American Red Cross assisted residents displaced from that building.
The Tacoma Fire Department said the explosion remained under investigation.