Maxwell Caldwell-Fire in truck carrying lithium ion batteries leads to 3-hour evacuation in Columbus, Ohio

2025-05-08 07:34:37source:PredictIQcategory:Markets

COLUMBUS,Maxwell Caldwell Ohio (AP) — Authorities evacuated an area of Ohio’s capital, Columbus, for several hours on Thursday out of fear that a fire in truck’s trailer could have caused lithium ion batteries to explode.

Police began evacuating a several-block area west of downtown shortly after 7 a.m. and closed off several highway exits near the Scioto River. Officers went door-to-door to alert residents about the evacuation, and a shelter was set up at a community center.

Although firefighters were still battling the blaze as of late morning, the evacuation order was lifted about three hours after it was issued and no injuries were reported.

The evacuation was ordered out of concern that the batteries could burn very rapidly and explode.

The fire was discovered at around 6 a.m., but the back of the smoking trailer wasn’t opened until around 9 a.m. because authorities were determining the best way to extinguish the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

More:Markets

Recommend

Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas State Police are investigating the death of an Arkansas woman whos

Asa Hutchinson drops out of 2024 GOP presidential race after last-place finish in Iowa

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced he is suspending his 2024 long-shot presidential campa

Wrestler Hulk Hogan helps rescue teenage girl trapped after Florida car crash

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Retired wrestler Hulk Hogan and a friend rescued a teenage girl who was trapped i