4 injured in apartment explosion

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 5:35 p.m.The Idaho Falls Fire Department and Idaho Falls Police Department were dispatched to the Garfield Apartments located at the 500 block of N. Fanning Avenue at approximately 1:30 p.m. this afternoon for a report of an explosion inside an apartment complex. 

The reporting person told dispatch that there was a “huge explosion” on the third floor that caused windows to blow out and shook the entire building. There was another report that there was a propane tank inside an apartment. 

There were four individuals inside the apartment at the time of the incident. Two adult males were transported by ambulance to the hospital in critical condition. One child and one adult male had minor injuries but were not transported by ambulance.  There were no other injuries to civilians or first responders. 

On arrival firefighters reported heat and smoke coming from the third floor of a large apartment complex. There was a small fire that was isolated to one apartment which was extinguished quickly, causing no further damage or injuries. While the explosion and fire caused only minor damage to the apartment, the extent of the structural damage to the entire complex is unknown at this time. 

Four ambulances, two engines, the ladder truck, one battalion chief, and two chief officers responded, as well as several police officers. Intermountain Gas and Idaho Falls Power responded to secure utilities.  IFPD closed roads in the immediate area and assisted with evacuations. The City’s Building Inspector responded to evaluate the structural integrity of the building.  

IFFD’s Fire Prevention and Investigation Division is investigating the cause of the incident. The estimated damages are unknown, and no additional information is available at this time.  

Assistance is available for those who may have been displaced following this afternoon’s apartment complex explosion on N. Fanning Avenue in Idaho Falls 

Those who do not have a place to stay or need immediate assistance are encourage to contact the Law Enforcement Chaplaincy of Idaho at (208) 471-8111 and/or the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. 

ORIGINAL: The Idaho Falls Fire Department is on scene of an explosion on the 500 block of Fanning Ave.

Officials say a report of an explosion in an apartment complex occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m.

Four people were injured, two of which have been transported to the hospital. The other two that were injured are being treated on scene.

All occupants have been evacuated.

The Law Enforcement Chaplains have been dispatched to assist with needs of those displaced.

The explosion caused damage to the structure with potential collapse of areas within the structure.

IFFD asks you stay clear of the scene as Idaho Falls Police Department has the roads closed down.