BLOCK ISLAND, RI – A serene evening on Block Island was shattered by a propane explosion that left chaos in its wake, sending two people to the hospital by helicopter and drawing the swift response of first responders and a vacationer who sprang into action.
Mike Salemi, a Massachusetts resident enjoying a getaway, found himself thrust into a rescue operation when an explosion rocked a home on West Beach Road. The peaceful night turned frantic as Salemi rushed towards the scene, compelled to assist those trapped inside the collapsed structure.
The explosion, which occurred late in the evening, resulted in a home leaning precariously on its side, with small fires igniting in its wake. The cries of those trapped inside pierced the night, prompting Salemi and others to act swiftly. “We managed to extinguish the fire and started helping people out,” Salemi recounted, describing his efforts to rescue a woman from the debris.
Local officials reported that five individuals were caught in the wreckage, necessitating a swift and coordinated rescue effort. It took approximately 45 minutes to free those ensnared by the rubble, a testament to the challenging conditions first responders faced.
The Block Island Volunteer Fire Department coordinated the emergency response, with two individuals requiring immediate medical evacuation. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter transported them to Rhode Island Hospital. One victim suffered a broken femur, while another endured second-degree burns, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Images from the scene depict a house torn apart, its lower half reduced to rubble and debris scattered across the area, a stark reminder of the explosion’s force. The unexpected turn of events left residents and visitors alike in a state of shock.
Salemi, reflecting on the incident, expressed disbelief at the turn of events during what was meant to be a relaxing weekend. His quick thinking and actions, however, underscored the community spirit and resilience in the face of sudden adversity.
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Author: John Nightbridge
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