Explosion rocks suburban Atlanta neighborhood

September 13, 2021 Carley Joanou US 0

Emergency workers respond following an apartment explosion, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Dunwoody, Ga., just outside of Atlanta. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:37 PM PT – Monday, September 13, 2021

An explosion shook a suburban Atlanta neighborhood on Sunday afternoon. The blast damaged the entire apartment building along with surrounding buildings in the town of Dunwoody.

Over 70 firefighters responded to the explosion, which destroyed an estimated 40 to 50 units within the complex. Four people were injured and two were missing, with many worried they were buried in the rubble until they were found and brought to safety.

At 1:24pm, we received calls regarding an explosion at the Arrive Apartments. We are on scene with the Dekalb Co. and Sandy Springs Fire Dept. This is a very active scene and the cause of the explosion is under investigation. @DCFRpubaffairs will put out more when known.

— Dunwoody Police (@DunwoodyPolice) September 12, 2021

After the explosion, people had their utilities cut and hundreds were displaced until the surrounding buildings could be inspected. One resident and witness described the explosion and its aftermath.

“There was a really big shake and some things like fell,” the resident explained. “…It was scary once we saw the front of the building. We did see a woman with a baby who was hurt. The baby was fine, but her legs were hurt.”

The cause of the explosion has remained unknown, although many have speculated it could be the gas lines. In December, the very same complex was rocked by a blast caused by a damaged gas line in the building.

Thank you to our volunteers who worked through the day to provide support to the families impacted by an explosion that occurred at the Arrive Perimeter Apartments in Dunwoody on Sunday. The explosion destroyed or damaged some 40-50 units & led to an evacuation of all residents. pic.twitter.com/wFSkBupb66

— Red Cross of Georgia #GivewithMeaning (@GARedCross) September 13, 2021

Another resident in the building during this recent explosion reported to have smelled heavy gas before he went to church.

“About 10:30 this morning, I smelled gas in the hallway and it was pretty, it was thick,” he stated. “We called the complex like hey there’s some gas going on here. It’s an issue, obviously, it’s pretty heavy and he told us it was fixed and the door was open.”

The Red Cross has been on hand to help those displaced by the blast get food, water and emotional support.