2 critically injured in downtown Phoenix fire
Apr 22, 2014, 7:20 AM | Updated: 9:47 am
PHOENIX — Two men were seriously injured in an oil fire Tuesday morning in downtown Phoenix near Sky Harbor Airport.
Explosions rocked the area near 24th and Jefferson streets, where Dixco Tanker Yard Sales and Leasing was going up in flames. Black plumes of smoke were visible for quite a distance as thousands of gallons of oil from tankers burned. Nearby business in the industrial area were evacuated by fire and hazmat crews.
Authorities said one of the victims, 45, suffered third-degree burns to his arms and legs, while the other, 23, suffered second- and third-degree burns to over half his body. They were taken to Maricopa County Hospital.
I-10 near Sky Harbor, drivers may encounter smoke from a fire off the freeway. No delays so far. pic.twitter.com/xuO1cCgSiK
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) April 22, 2014
A fire spokesman said the first emergency call reporting the fire came in around 7 a.m. The fire burned for about two hours but smoke was easing up long before then.
Runways at that end of the airport were temporarily closed and planes landing were sent to other runways. The airport said no flights were delayed.
There were traffic delays, though. Light-rail service was shut down along Jefferson Street, forcing all service onto Washington for the time being.
