Posted on 05/24/2002 11:36:08 AM PDT by The Magical Mischief Tour
FOX News Alert just moments ago. Whole place was in flames!
This explosion blew drywall up on the roofs of nearby buildings. A (N.G.) explosion would have blown the windows and doors and caused a real nice fire but would not have blown the whole building apart. This takes high explosive.(like a couple of pounds)
I had the same thought. I used to live on Newcastle, the street where it occurred, and I now work about a block away. Lots of older, sweet little Jewish men and ladies around here. I miss them as neighbors. I hope not too many people are hurt.
They also have oxegen tanks strapped to their waists.
By Hil Anderson
From the National Desk
Published 5/24/2002 2:53 PM
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LOS ANGELES, May 24 (UPI) -- A three-story apartment building in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles was leveled Friday when a major explosion and fire tore through the structure.
Los Angeles firefighters found the building in Encino fully engulfed in flames when they arrived and immediately requested reinforcements from surrounding areas.
There was no immediate word on any casualties, but television images indicated it would likely be impossible for rescuers to search for any residents who might have been inside, although firefighters were going door-to-door to see if anyone was trapped.
Large chunks of concrete and plaster were strewn about in a debris field around the shattered apartment building.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, although a natural gas leak was a possibility. The blast, however, came amid recent concerns from federal anti-terrorism officials that Osama bin Laden's al Qaida organization could have been plotting to secretly fill apartments with explosives and detonate them.
The explosion was reported shortly after 11 a.m. PDT and was immediately upgraded to a third-alarm response, according to fire department spokesman Bob Collis. Copyright © 2002 United Press International
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LA apartment and boat owners being enlisted to spot possible terrorists
(Los Angeles-AP) -- Several steps to upgrade anti-terrorism in Los Angeles involve enlisting apartment and small-boat owners, and closing of some streets near Los Angeles International Airport.Los Angeles Harbor Police are to circulate anti-terrorism guidelines among owners of eight-thousand small boats.
And the Los Angeles City Council has approved a measure to close four streets near the airport, as part of security improvements.
The street closures to last 18 months could become permanent.
Federal officials have said they believe terrorists could be renting apartments with the intent of blowing up the buildings.
Police in Los Angeles say they will issue guidelines to apartment owners on how to spot potential suicide bombers. Those steps include being watchful of prospective tenants with little or no rental history, and whether tenants bring unusual items into apartments or carry boxes with extreme caution.
At the same time LA police warned they do not want apartment landlords to engage in housing discrimination.
http://www.fox11la.com/stories/headlines/02/05.24/encinoblast.asp
Blast rocks Encino condo complex; cause unknown
(Los Angeles) - A three-story condominium building in Encino erupted in heavy flames today, following an apparent explosion that showered the nearby area with debris.
The blast was reported about 11 am in the 5300 block of Newcastle Avenue, according to the city fire department. The Los Angeles Police Department sent a bomb squad to the scene because of the report of an explosion.
Area residents say the blast "felt like an earthquake."
According to fire officials, the blast could have been a natural gas explosion, based on the buckled appearance of the building and the debris scattered nearby.
About 130 firefighters -- 26 engine companies -- were assigned to the blaze, which was in a building squeezed tightly amid other structures. About a third of those were battling the flames, with the rest involved in rescue operations and trying to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent structures.
No word on injuries or the exact cause at this time.
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