Authorities in Boise, Idaho, reported a tragic incident at the Atkinson Distributing gas station in Cardiff, a small north-central Idaho town. The explosion and subsequent fire occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in severe injuries to two individuals who were airlifted to a nearby hospital. Tragically, two others are believed to have lost their lives in the incident.
The Clearwater County Sheriff's office received reports of the explosion just after 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The fire was still ablaze late into the night, hindering rescue efforts and preventing further details from being disclosed. Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl confirmed that two additional individuals were hospitalized, although the extent of their injuries remains unknown.
The aftermath of the explosion left a significant impact on the area, with structures besides the gas station being destroyed. The debris field spans an area roughly equivalent to two city blocks, indicating the scale of the devastation.
Jeff Adams, a manager at Atkinson Distributing, expressed deep concern for the affected individuals, particularly the employees who sustained critical injuries. He acknowledged the presence of customers inside the store during the incident, some of whom were unable to escape. Adams extended gratitude to the first responders and community members who offered assistance.
The explosion occurred while a fuel tanker was offloading at the station, although the cause remains undetermined. Investigations are underway, with deputy fire marshals and ATF agents collaborating to determine the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
Due to the remote location of Cardiff, communication challenges persist, as the town lacks cell service. Authorities are diligently working to gather information amidst the debris, striving to piece together the sequence of events that transpired.
The Cardiff gas station, primarily operational during the logging season, features a convenience store offering snacks and beverages. The community is reeling from the impact of the explosion, with thoughts and prayers extended to all those affected by the devastating incident.
