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.
A Nigerian schoolgirl abducted by extremists 10 years ago is rescued pregnant and with 3 kids
Christopher Luxon, Anthony Albanese to discuss defence and security at first official meeting
Chlöe Swarbrick announces she will run for Greens co
Christchurch man jailed for 14 years over role in US porn videos
REVEALED: NBC 'plans to put heart
Number of reported scams drops, but 'underreporting is still happening'
Live updates: Hurricanes v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific round 8
The Beatles: Sir Sam Mendes to direct four films
Temporary 911 outages reported in Nebraska, Texas and other states
Stranded livestock land in Australia after Red Sea turn
Columbia University: Police arrest protesters who had set up pro
Nairobi fire: At least 29 injured in Kenya gas plant explosion