The City of Lemoore, California, declared a State of Emergency following a deadly water tank explosion June 21, 2021 in the afternoon.
According to Your Central Valley News, the rupture of a 1.5-million-gallon city water tank left the site out of operation.
City officials released footage that captured the moment the tank exploded, which hurt a city employee. The explosion also killed 41 year old contractor Dion Jones.
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“As a contractor started to weld, an explosion ensued, the tank separated from the ground, lifted approximately 70 feet vertically before a tsunami occurred, causing major damage to well site 7,” said Lemoore City Manager Nathan Olson, reported Your Central Valley News. “Mr. Jones is married with three children. He has worked for Filanc for 16 years as a union carpenter.”
The injured city employee is out of the hospital and resting with family.
Residents are urged to save water by not watering their lawns or using hoses to spray down concrete or cars, reported Your Central Valley News.
Firefighters tackled a five-acre grass fire near the site of the explosion as well, dealing with low water pressure along the way.
“They are using tactics where they aren’t using a lot of water. We have our bulldozer coming in to put a line around it so we won’t need to use as much water putting a line around it,” said Kings County Fire Battalion Chief Sal Gutierrez about the fires near the explosion site.
According to the city, the water is safe to drink despite low pressure and possible discoloration. There may be a boil water notice in the coming days if things change, however.
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