Image courtesy of KOIN. Authorities did not release the name of the construction company but Bremik Construction posted on Facebook that a utility subcontractor was performing relocations near their construction site on NW 23rd and Glisan when the pipeline was nicked.

Local Portland television news affiliate KOIN is reporting that officials are investigating Wednesday's gas explosion in NW Portland that destroyed buildings, caused widespread damage and injured eight people.

Authorities did not release the name of the construction company but Bremik Construction posted on Facebook that a utility subcontractor was performing relocations near their construction site on NW 23rd and Glisan when the pipeline was nicked.

“We understand utility notifications, locates and protocols were in place and clearly marked before work proceeded,” the company wrote.

Shortly before noon Thursday, officials with Loy Clark Pipeline released a statement. In part it said:

Investigators will be conducting interviews with construction workers and witnesses on Thursday.

“Yesterday was surreal and a reminder of the dangers officials face everyday. Unfortunately yesterday the worst case scenario played out,” Chatman said.

The injured firefighters were named as Peter St. John, Brett Kimple and Eric Kent. Peter St. John is the only one still hospitalized after undergoing surgery for a broken leg. He is currently in fair condition.

The injured police officers were named as Officer Larry McNabb, assigned to Central Precinct, and Officer Christopher Kulp, assigned to Youth Services Division. Both suffered minor injuries and were only briefly hospitalized. Sgt. Pete Simpson, who also spoke during the conference, said the officers “had to be pulled from the scene” because they wanted to stay and help.

Officials will be holding another briefing at noon on Thursday with more details.

Source: KOIN

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