explosion firegeezer on 10 Aug 2008 05:32 pm
Toronto Update #3 - LODD Confirmed
Update, 10:00 pm:
Toronto FD spokesman confirms that District Chief Robert Leek collapsed and died on the firegrounds. It is believed to be a result of a heart attack.
TORONTO FIRE SERVICES DIVISION CHIEF DAVID SHEEN has confirmed a firefighter fatality at the massive propane and industrial gas facility fire this morning.
The Globe and Mail reports:
A Toronto firefighter died Sunday after being found without vital signs outside the scene of a massive propane explosion that lit up the early morning sky in vivid orange fire balls.
Although the cause of the veteran firefighter’s death was not immediately clear officials said “it was not a traumatic injury.”
“It wasn’t impacted by anything, it was just in the course of him performing some operations that he went down,” said David Sheen, Toronto Fire Services division chief. “I don’t know of any pre-existing medical conditions that could have contributed to this tragic accident.”
A visibly shaken Sheen said he wouldn’t release the firefighter’s identity until next of kin were notified. He added he knew the man, a 25-year veteran, personally.
The mayor of Toronto said that the fire was “under control” by mid-afternoon, but there was still one propane tank burning.
Assoc. Press
update, 10:00 pm: The evacuation order has been lifted and residents are now permitted to return to their homes. Those whose houses are damaged beyond occupancy will be returned to the evacuation centers and provided for. The main freeway that was closed is now almost fully opened.
(See original posting with video HERE, first update with aerial view of neighborhood HERE and second update HERE.)
