An SUV slammed into a commercial building in Herriman, Utah, on Saturday, July 5, triggering a massive explosion and fire after the collision ruptured a gas line. Two bystanders pulled the driver and a passenger from the vehicle just minutes before the blast, according to the Unified Fire Department.
Three-vehicle crash under investigation
The explosion followed a three-vehicle crash, but details on the initial cause have yet to be disclosed. The blast and ensuing fireball were caught on camera and widely shared on social media.
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No injuries from explosion
Fire officials say no one was inside the building at the time, and none of the more than 60 firefighters who responded were injured. Three people from the crash were taken to the hospital, but their injuries were unrelated to the explosion, according to officials.
United Fire praised the quick action of “two courageous bystanders” who risked their lives to free the trapped occupants of the SUV.
Domino’s destroyed, nearby businesses damaged
The crash happened in a strip mall housing a Domino’s, a Jimmy John’s and a Supercuts roughly 30 minutes southwest of Salt Lake City. The Domino’s was destroyed, and nearby businesses suffered “significant damage,” officials said.
Following the crash, the fire department issued an emergency alert, requesting residents leave over safety concerns, but the order was lifted hours later.
Mayor praises community response
Herriman Mayor Lorin Palmer thanked first responders and local residents in a statement posted to Facebook.
“Thank you to those first responders that handled such a crazy scene with such professionalism,” Palmer wrote. “And to the dozens of residents that have reached out offering to open their homes or to volunteer at an evacuation center….thank you! I love how we respond to these unfortunate events in our city…we truly live in a great community. Prayer again to all involved tonight!”
