A North Liberty building sustained significant damage after a late-night explosion.
At 11 p.m. on Monday, July 29, the North Liberty Fire Department was dispatched to 390 Herky St., a commercial building with multiple users, in response to a report of a building explosion with multiple injuries.
Upon arrival, firefighters found an individual suffering from burns. In addition, they discovered multiple overhead doors hanging off the building, smoke emanating from the structure, the south wall bowed outward and the roof lifted from the building, indicating “obvious structural damage” according to a release.
“The building comprises a few bays and at least a couple different businesses, including Voss Distribution and Capital Vending,” said Nick Bergus, North Liberty community relations director. The Preserve, Watertower Place, and Sanctuary at South Bend are also located in the building, he added.
When responders entered the building to locate the fire, they found an activated sprinkler system, credited for “likely” subduing the fire. Utilities were immediately cut while the fire department ventilated the structure and supported the sprinkler system.
The Johnson County Ambulance Service treated the burn victim and one firefighter, transporting them to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where the firefighter was later discharged.
Fire departments from Coralville and Solon assisted with suppression efforts, and the Johnson County Ambulance Service and UI Med 1 helped with treatment at the scene.
“Investigation into the cause is ongoing with the help of the state fire marshal,” the release stated.
