These are 2 pictures I took after directing the FFs to carry out a SAR following the explosion. It doesn't seem much; accept that gas was pouring from the mains and could not be shut off, the entire complex was full of gas, the fire escape stairs were destroyed in the explosion, most of the residents were slowly being overcome by the gas, a major explosion had already occurred and there was every possibility of a second explosion occurring, we could only get partial electricity isolation and almost all persons were over the age of 70. These people would not be with us today if it wasn't for the efforts of first arriving firefighters.
The lady who was overcome by gas told the FFs she wasn't leaving without her bird. The FFs said, "fine, the birds coming too". As you can see, it was a big bird! I believe we removed 10 people in total and rescued two animals live and uninjured from under the rubble pile. A great job by the firefighters. I have nothing but praise for their incredible efforts. Kernin Lambert
