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.
Republicans file lawsuit challenging Evers's partial vetoes to literacy bill
David de Gea jokingly asks 'who' as he responds to former Man United team
Government agrees to slash road user charges for plug
Serial mistress, 54, enjoys luxurious £5,000 trip to Costa Rica
FIFA plans to add slew of new committees years after cutting them in anti
Food writer baffles This Morning viewers with tips for cheap lunches
Return to sender! Bizarre items that arrived in the post and left people terrified
Return to sender! Bizarre items that arrived in the post and left people terrified
A homeless man is reunited with his family after 13 years thanks to a Ford Mustang and a viral clip
The Patriots enter the NFL draft needing a QB, but could trade down to fill other needs
‘An immortal of our incredible game’