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.
Paris Olympics opening ceremony on river Seine will last nearly 4 hours
WHO chief warns no functional hospital exists in north Gaza
Quavo takes swipe at Chris Brown's history of domestic violence and calls out his ex
Stabbing at Sydney mall kills 6 before suspect is shot dead, police say
As Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes insists his 'dad bod' is 'great' for his NFL performance
Royal gardener reveals top tips to get rid of slugs and snails
Royal gardener reveals top tips to get rid of slugs and snails
Hunter Biden indicted on multiple counts related to firearms, tax evasion
Former Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Peter Barca announces new bid for Congress
Can homeless people be fined for sleeping outside? A rural Oregon city asks the US Supreme Court
As earnings season rolls into its heart, hopes rise for broader gains
14 dead in road accident in India