Mount Pleasant Experienced Propane Tank Explosions in Truck Fire Near Shopping Center
Firefighters in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, fought a blazing truck fire near a bustling shopping center Sunday afternoon. The incident, which witnessed propane tanks explosively igniting one after another, occurred around 4:21 p.m. at the intersection of Hungryneck Boulevard and Market Center Boulevard.
The site of the fire was perilously close to local businesses, including a Great Clips salon, adding an alarming dimension to the incident for the Mount Pleasant community. Battalion Chief Matthew Tidwell confirmed this location in his statement.
Firefighters Responded Swiftly
Upon reaching the scene, local firefighters found a box truck completely devoured by flames, with propane cylinders erupting in the vehicle’s cargo area. Despite the dangerous and volatile nature of the fire, the team efficiently succeeded in containing it within a mere 10-minute window, keeping associated damage to a minimum and ensuring community safety.
At 5:00 p.m., firefighters were reported still present at the scene, working meticulously to thoroughly extinguish the last of the flames and secure the area for local residents and businesses.
No Injuries Recorded
Despite the explosive nature of the fire, emergency services confirmed that no injuries had been reported in connection with the incident. The driver of the box truck is assumed to have vacated the vehicle in time to avoid injury. This is undeniably fortunate given the potential for significant injuries that such a fire brings with it.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. As of now, it’s uncertain whether a technical failure within the truck or possibly mishandled propane tanks ignited the conflagration. Investigators will also identify if any external factors played a role in the incident. Their priority lies in accurately piecing together the events leading up to the fire, to prevent such an occurrence in the future.
Conclusion
The event of propane tanks exploding in a truck fire near a busy shopping center is a sobering reminder of the risks associated with transporting potentially dangerous materials within populous areas. Thankfully, the local firefighters’ quick actions and effective response contributed to averting a potentially catastrophic situation. The incident remains under investigation by authorities. HERE News will provide updates as the situation progresses and more information becomes available.
Stay safe, Mount Pleasant.
