DURHAM, N.C. – Officials have identified the one person who died during a massive gas explosion in downtown Durham Wednesday morning. Thursday morning, officials also announced that 25 people total were transported to the hospital, including nine firefighters.

It was initially reported Wednesday that 17 were injured, including a firefighter and two power workers. Six were critically injured and taken to the burn unit at UNC Hospitals. 

  • One person has been confirmed dead after the Studebaker Building on Duke Street in Durham exploded Wednesday morning.
  • Twenty-five people in total were transported to the hospital, including nine firefighters and two power workers. 
  • A gas leak is being blamed for the explosion.

They say 61-year-old Kong Lee, owner of Kaffeinate, a business in the building destroyed, died. The family posted this photo on Instagram outside of the business last year.

Courtesy Instagram

 

The Durham Bulls will hold a moment of silence for Mr. Lee ahead of Thursday night's game.

 

 

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During a press conference Thursday morning, Chris Iannuzzi, deputy fire chief, said a total of 25 people were transported to the hospital, including nine firefighters. All of the firefighters are all expected to be released from the hospital. Fifteen buildings were damaged and many of those buildings are being evaluated for safety.

Structural damages are still a major concern for the area, and the search continues for possible victims, but none are thought to have been left in the building. There are also no reports of additional missing people.

Iannuzzi said that Kong Lee, the owner of Kaffeinate, stayed in the building after it was evacuated. Many of the firefighters who were injured by the blast continued to work after being injured until they were told to leave.

Fire Chief Robert Zoldos also said the firefighter injured is expected to be released from the hospital later Thursday.

Bo Ferguson, deputy city manager, said that the city is looking into whether contractors had all permits before releasing information. There have been multiple permits in the area, so the city is not releasing information ahead of the investigation.

About six buildings are either condemned or have no occupancy following the blast. 

Many are already seeking how to help the community mend. 

 

 

 

ORDER OF EVENTS

Durham Fire Department Chief Robert Zoldos says at 9:38 a.m., they were dispatched to investigate a natural gas leak and began evacuating buildings once the leak was confirmed.

At 10:07 a.m., the explosion involved five buildings, catastrophically damaging one.

All people in the buildings were accounted for.

Durham superintendent dismissed all kids from school.

Officials are doing a detailed search in the Studebaker building, which will include tunneling and de-layering the damaged areas.

ATF, SBI, and OSHA are investigating the cause of the explosion.

THEN AND NOW IMAGES

WEDNESDAY'S CONFERENCE

In a press conference, officials said one of the Durham firefighters, Darren Wheeler, was seriously hurt. He is now out of surgery and recovering from his injuries.

Durham Mayor Steve Schewel said the explosion happened on Durham's 150th birthday. He says he's saddened by the tragedy but is grateful for everyone in Durham who assisted in giving aid.

Durham Police Chief CJ Davis says they will be sending out notices to let people who live or have businesses in the area to let them know when they can return and retrieve material. They will also be using social media to update the public.

Durham VA Health Care System says any veteran impacted by the explosion can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, or come to the Durham VA Medical Center at 508 Fulton St., Durham.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

This is a developing story that will be updated as information comes in.