COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Authorities evacuated an area of Ohio’s capital, Columbus, for several hours on Thursday out of fear that a fire in truck’s trailer could have caused lithium ion batteries to explode.
Police began evacuating a several-block area west of downtown shortly after 7 a.m. and closed off several highway exits near the Scioto River. Officers went door-to-door to alert residents about the evacuation, and a shelter was set up at a community center.
Although firefighters were still battling the blaze as of late morning, the evacuation order was lifted about three hours after it was issued and no injuries were reported.
The evacuation was ordered out of concern that the batteries could burn very rapidly and explode.
The fire was discovered at around 6 a.m., but the back of the smoking trailer wasn’t opened until around 9 a.m. because authorities were determining the best way to extinguish the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Three men rescued off island due to beach 'HELP' sign
As it happened: Rain lashes North and South Islands
VOX POPULI: Professionalism will be the key to successful ride
Quentin Tarantino SCRAPS plans for his final film The Movie Critic which had Brad Pitt set to star
Government warned against repealing Oranga Tamariki's Treaty commitments
Woman dies after ambulance takes hour to respond to emergency call
NZ public service job cuts: what we know so far
Israelis grapple with how to celebrate Passover, a holiday about freedom, while many remain captive
VOX POPULI: Look up from your smartphone and see the world around you
As earnings season rolls into its heart, hopes rise for broader gains
Charter Schools establishment board pay revealed