An explosion at an apartment complex in Tacoma, Washington state, was caught on surveillance cameras as firefighters were attending to the smoke.
The incident occurred around 5:37 p.m. local time on Sunday, June 28, at the apartment building at 6400 South 12th Street. Authorities were dispatched to the area after reports of smoke and the sound of an explosion coming from an electrical cabinet. After a resident activated the fire alarm, fire crews evacuated 8 buildings.
Footage captured on a cell phone camera shows firefighters forcing open the door to the electrical room, heavy smoke billowing out, and a violent explosion moments later. The blast shattered windows, and flames and debris were hurled toward the firefighters. They had to retreat quickly.
The Tacoma Fire Department stated that no firefighters or residents were injured. Initial findings indicate the explosion occurred in the electrical room after firefighters cut power to the building.
Officials said a fault in an electrical transformer caused the smoke to spread to multiple buildings. After the explosion, Hunt Middle School was used as a temporary shelter for the evacuated residents.
In an evening statement, it was announced that residents were able to return to 7 of the 8 buildings, and only building 600 would remain evacuated until electrical work is completed. Those affected by the power outage received assistance from the American Red Cross.
Tacoma Public Utilities and fire investigators continue to look into the exact cause of the explosion.
