Atlanta, Georgia – A devastating explosion caused by a gas leak rocked a barbecue restaurant in southwest Atlanta on Monday, leading to evacuations and the closure of a busy city road. The incident, which occurred at Po Freddie’s BBQ restaurant, was the result of a ruptured gas line caused by construction crews, according to Atlanta Fire officials.
The gas leak, which was triggered around 10 a.m., forced the evacuation of seven nearby buildings, including an apartment complex. The explosion was attributed to a build-up of gas following the leak, leading to the restaurant going up in flames. Fortunately, no one was present in the restaurant at the time of the fire.
Atlanta Gas Light revealed that the gas line was damaged by an outside contractor working on installing underground fiber cables in the Campbellton Road area. As a safety precaution, Campbellton Road was temporarily shut down but has since reopened to traffic.
Firefighters continued to monitor the situation on Tuesday morning, ensuring that any remaining hot spots were extinguished. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the damage and any potential liabilities associated with the incident.
As the community comes to terms with the aftermath of the explosion, residents and local businesses are left grappling with the impact of the gas leak and subsequent fire. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and regulations when working with potentially hazardous materials like natural gas.
This developing story will continue to be updated as more information becomes available, so stay tuned for further updates on this tragic event from Atlanta, Georgia.