KA-WHOOSH!, followed by...KA-BOOM!

Around 9-ish this morning a large trenching machine accidentally cut into a large gas main on the North side of our fair city. Miraculously, the operator bailed out and scurried to safety before the gas, spewing at 800psi, ignited.

26 different fire units responded and were able to prevent nearby businesses and dwellings from becoming toast but the freestanding sign in front of a CVS drugstore was melted as was one car in the parking lot of the CVS.

All they could do was shut off the flow to the main and let it all bleed off and burn.

A large area was without utilities for hours (in hot and humid weather) but the utilities crews deserve a medal for the work they did in restoring same.

The TV coverage was spectacular.

A friend of mine was in the CVS when it happened and that crazy loon grabbed a bag of marshmallows, a box of Graham Crackers, and a few Hershey bars, ran to the checkout and said "Oh boy! We can make S'mores!"

The store manager laughed so hard he had to sit on the floor to keep from falling.

The above was witnessed by another chum who told me all about it.

I'm sorta glad I wasn't there.

Yoli

Your Raving Roving Reporter