[:en]More information has come to light on the November 16th explosion and resulting fire at a retirement facility that left an Aurora woman dead, and several others were injured.
Where did the accident occur?
Heather Gardens located off of East Linvale Place in Aurora is considered to be an ‘active senior’ living community according to an article posted by ABC 7. The complex reportedly had one building with four levels of units, as well as nearby units incur damage as a result of the explosion. Aurora Fire Department who had firefighters respond to the incident is still investigating how the explosion was caused, although spokes initial findings have supposedly found the explosion to be gas related.
What occurred prior to the explosion?
Construction crews who were working in the area before the accident, had phoned 911 to report the smell of gas. Neighbors also mentioned hearing a loud bang before the explosion as well around 5:30 p.m. Xcel Energy, Colorado’s prominent electricity and gas service provider, has also sent out a team to conduct an investigation although at this time they could not report whether one of the company’s gas lines had been affected. Gas lines to that area had been disconnected as the clean-up process begins. Internet service provider Comcast also suspended the installation of their cables per the request of the Public Utilities Commission. However, from an article posted by 9News, it was later discovered that firefighters responded to multiple calls of gas leaks, with the most recent call coming on November 14th – just two days before the explosion. While Aurora Fire is still continuing its investigation, Xcel Energy commented that the leak was allegedly caused by an outside third party cutting into a gas line.
Aftermath:
The woman who died in the explosion was later identified to be 82-year old Carol Ross according to Craig Baldwin, who is the president and director of the Heather Gardens Metropolitan District. Two other individuals, including a firefighter, were transported to local hospitals for treatment due to injuries.
I have been affected by this accident. What resources are available to me?
If you or a loved one have been injured in this accident, contact our office at (303) 327-9988 to schedule a free consultation and speak with one of our experienced attorneys. Please also visit our practice area page on personal injury at our website here for additional information.[:]
