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1 seriously hurt after explosions at oxygen, fuel supply company in Hickory

By WSOCTV.com News Staff
By WSOCTV.com News Staff

HICKORY, N.C. — Officials said one person is seriously hurt after reported explosions Friday afternoon at an oxygen and fuel supply company in Hickory.

Firefighters were called to James Oxygen & Supply along Highway 321. An employee at a nearby store said it happened just before 1:30 p.m. and that they could see flames 40 feet in the air. They also said the ground was shaking and things were blowing everywhere.

A worker at James Oxygen & Supply said the employee was rushed to the hospital with injuries. Their condition is unknown at this point.

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Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew above the scene and dozens of fire trucks and crews could be seen spraying water from trucks. Firefighters said they were trying to cool the propane tanks on the property.

“Just to cool the tanks to keep those tanks from exploding anymore. Also, that helps the propane to dissipate,” said Terry Byers with Hickory Fire.

Witnesses told Channel 9′s Dave Faherty that there were several explosions. A friend said he could see the plume of smoke from miles away.

“You could feel the house shake a little bit and when we looked across, you could see little fireballs shoot up in the air,” said neighbor Kim Maunz. “My house was shaking. My dishes were shaking. And then it kept going, five, six, seven more.”

Firefighters responding to oxygen and fuel supply company in Hickory after reported explosion (WSOC)

Barbara Burns was in her basement washing clothes when she heard three explosions, and drove down the street where she could see the road closed.

“Like bombs ... after I sat in my car for a while, there were two more, and the flames were really high,” she said.

Firefighters said because of the propane on the property, they are are being extremely careful and that is delaying their ability to get in there and determine what caused it.

Firefighters responding to James Oxygen & Supply in Hickory for apparent explosion (WSOC)

Highway 321 northbound is shut down while crews investigate the scene.

No other details have been released at this point.

Channel 9 has reached out to authorities to learn more information. Return to this story for updates and watch Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. for the latest.

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