Explosion in Sheboygan County prompts dozens of evacuations
CASCADE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Earlier Friday, Nov. 14, the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office responded to several reports about an explosion on Trio Lane around 1 p.m. Upon arrival, they found that an excavation crew ruptured a main natural gas line causing an explosion in the Town of Mitchell that could be heard and felt from miles away.
Four people were taken to the hospital with injuries and about 60 homes within 700 feet of the explosion had to be evacuated.
Cascade resident Vu Vang lives near where the explosion took place and was home when all of a sudden, he heard a loud boom.
"I looked up in front of the house, and I was like 'oh my gosh there's a huge black cloud," said Vang, who provided video of the smoke from the explosion.
Wally Froh, a resident who has lived in the area for around 20 years, says when he heard he had to evacuate his home he immediately went to help his neighbor.
"I messaged my neighbor across the road and he's disabled," said Froh. "So, I had to go over there and open up the garage door for him and let him get his car out so he can leave."
Froh told CBS 58 that the smell of gas was so strong that it made him feel sick, "I didn't really think of it until I went outside and smelt the gas smell. I mean it was so strong it gave me a headache, and I could taste it in my mouth. I mean, I've never had a gas smell that strong."
As of 5:30 p.m. Friday, law officials stated that the area has been safe to approach and continue an investigation.
The Sheriff's Office state that 17 fire departments responded to the area and two homes were damaged.
The fire department is currently assessing gas levels of the homes in the area and providing ventilation.
Residents are slowly being allowed back into their homes and Trio Lane will remain closed as the investigation continues.
No further information is available at this time.
The American Red Cross of Wisconsin has set up a shelter for those displaced by the Trio Lane explosion at the Cascade Fire Department at 801 Madison Ave., in Cascade.
If you or someone has been impacted by the gas explosion you can contact 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance.
CASCADE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Four people are in the hospital following a main natural gas line ruptured causing an explosion on Trio Lane in the Town of Mitchell in Cascade.
The Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office responded to several reports about an explosion around 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14. Upon arrival, law enforcement found that an excavation crew ruptured a main natural gas line causing an explosion.
The Cascade Fire Chief Todd Triebensee held a press conference, confirming that four people were taken to the hospital for treatment of unknown injuries.
According to Chief Triebensee, it is too soon in the investigation to see if any buildings in the area were damaged due to the explosion.
Residences of the immediate area were evacuated as a precaution. About 60 homes were evacuated within 700 feet of the explosion.
An investigation is underway as to how the explosion occurred. At this time, they are waiting for the gas to dissipate to get a better look at the scene, according to Chief Triebensee.