Dunwoody apartment explosion: Inspection finds leaks, gas shut off to complex
Dunwoody apartment explosion displaces residents
Residents are trying to pick up the pieces after an explosion rocks a Dunwoody apartment complex. It happened at Arrive Perimeter apartments not far from Perimeter Mall. Four people are recovering from their injuries. About 50 people are out of their homes.
DUNWOODY, Ga. - The city of Dunwoody has directed Atlanta Gas Light to suspend all service to the apartment complex that was the site of a massive explosion Sunday afternoon.
The explosion happened around 1:24 p.m. at the Arrive Perimeter apartment complex located in the 2000 block of Asbury Square, less than a mile northeast of Perimeter Mall.
While the official cause of the blast remains under investigation, there were several reports of the odor of gas before it happened.
DeKalb Fire officials said Monday a structural engineer would be out to the scene of an explosion in Dunwoody. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
On Monday, the city inspected the remaining units and officials said they found at least two leaks in a building that wasn't involved in Sunday's explosion.
A city spokesperson said shutting off gas to the complex will allow time for repairs and additional inspections in all buildings.
Atlanta Gas Light released a statement just before 6 p.m. Monday that reads:
"Inspections of natural gas appliances conducted inside the Arrive Perimeter apartment complex in coordination with the City of Dunwoody have identified appliance and fuel line issues within the buildings. As a result, Atlanta Gas Light has been directed by the Dunwoody City Code Officer to suspend all-natural gas service to the entire apartment complex until all units are inspected by a licensed plumber and deemed safe to operate. We are currently working to shut off natural gas service to over 400 units and will provide additional updates as they become available."
While Atlanta Gas Light is responsible for supplying gas to individual customers, it is not directly responsible for appliance hookups.
Nearly 50 units were damaged in Sunday’s blast and four people were injured. Officials said one person was burned and another has a broken leg. Their conditions as of Monday evening were not immediately known.
DeKalb County Fire Rescue officials told FOX 5 Atlanta said two of the four people injured in Sunday's Dunwoody apartment explosion have more serious injuries than initially assessed.
Officials said one person was burned and another has a broken leg. Their exact conditions were unknown to DeKalb Fire officials on Monday morning. DeKalb County Fire Rescue Captain Jaeson Daniels said initially on Sunday four people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Officials said all residents were accounted for by 6 p.m.
The American Red Cross of Georgia was at the scene to help those impacted by the explosion. Officials said they expect to help the residents of about 40 to 50 units.
"Volunteers established a reception area at a nearby hotel parking lot for people awaiting news on whether they could return to their buildings. The Red Cross provided food, water and health and emotional support throughout the day, and is also offering shelter tonight for residents in need of temporary lodging," Red Cross officials wrote in a statement. "Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with displaced individuals and families in the days ahead, sharing recovery planning and resources to help them get back on their feet."
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