HOMERVILLE, GA (WALB) - The Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner's Office said that three people were injured in an explosion at a Homerville coffee shop, and were flown out by helicopter for medical treatment. It happened about 12:30 Friday afternoon,
The City of Homerville posted on its Facebook page that people should stay out of the downtown vicinity, because of unnamed 'issues.'
It says 'The City of Homerville has closed down due to ongoing issues within the downtown area. Please stay safe and avoid the downtown area until further notice. First responders and all other crews need the area to be as free of traffic as possible in order to get their jobs done.'
An investigator with the state's office is on the scene at the Coffee Corner 112 Dame Avenue.
The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commission confirmed that a fiber optic construction crew was digging in the area around 10 a.m. when they struck a natural gas line as well as a sewer line connected to the coffee shop. Officials said gas leaked through the sewer system into the coffee shop and a spark in the kitchen ignited the explosion.
Officials said a customer and two employees were inside at the time of the explosion. All three had burns and other injuries.
The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commission said the explosion has been ruled accidental.
Copyright 2018 WALB. All rights reserved.
HOMERVILLE, GA (WALB) - Three people have been airlifted after an explosion in downtown Homerville, according to the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner's office.
BREAKING: 3 people airlifted after explosion in downtown #Homerville at Coffee Corner on Dame Ave, according to GA Safety Fire Commissioner's office. Cause of explosion unknown.(Photo: GA Safety Fire Commissioner's office) #ClinchCounty @WALBNews10 pic.twitter.com/fSX6lIktX4
— Emileigh Forrester WALB 🎥 (@EmileighTV) August 17, 2018
The Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner's office tells WALB the explosion happned at Coffee Corner on Dame Avenue.
The cause of the explosion is unknown.
The City of Homerville made a post on its Facebook page that people should stay out of the downtown vicinity, because of unnamed 'issues.'
It says 'The City of Homerville has closed down due to ongoing issues within the downtown area. Please stay safe and avoid the downtown area until further notice. First responders and all other crews need the area to be as free of traffic as possible in order to get their jobs done.'
The Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner's Office said that three people were injured, and were flown by helicopter for medical treatment.
Early social media reports indicated that there was an explosion near a downtown city street. WALB is working to verify what happened, and get an official statement.
Copyright 2018 WALB. All rights reserved.
