Propane Blamed for Massive Explosion in Benton
65 year old Betty Bailey and her husband Ralston wanted to prepare for the freezing temperatures Tuesday night...so for the first time this year, they turned on their propane heater.
"About 11:00 last night, they were literally blown out of bed and thought that it was a horrible earthquake," says the couples daughter, Temple Gentry. The blast on Quarry Road leveled the Bailey's two businesses- a hair salon that had been open for 35 years- and an antique shop right next door. The couples home also was damaged. The Fire Department believes that the Bailey's propane tank had a leak which filled the beauty shop up with gas. When the hot water heater kicked on it set off a spark- which then set off the explosion. The earth-shaking boom woke up neighbors from miles away. Some called the Polk County Sheriff's Department to report the noise. "I was just dozing off when I felt the trailer shake...like something bumped into the trailer," he says. "It's amazing that it could do that and nobody get hurt really ...it had to be a good blowing. They said they heard it ten miles," says a friend of the family Franky Enriques.
"All the antiques are gone, mom's beauty shop is gone. I just thank god Mom and Dad are okay," Gentry says.
Albert Kemp lives 3 miles away.
Temple Gentry says her mother and father are devastated and confused ---as to how their entire life's work could be wiped out in such a violent accident.
Propane blamed for massive explosion in Benton
I would like to know who the company was that was supplying the propane to these people. The one I was employed with was as careless as could be...smoking around tanks,driving too fast,and no reguard for safety regulations. I wonder if there are any regulations, or any that can be inforced, reguarding propane companies. These people will never recover what they have lost and I wonder if it was because of someones carelessness or lack of training. My prayers are with this family. Randall
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RE:Propane blamed for massive explosion in Benton
Ben Anderson, owner of Woodstock Gas Co. in Ellijay, Ga., said propane is "a very safe fuel" when it's handled properly and fuel plumbing is properly maintained.
Mr. Anderson's company serviced the Bailey home in Benton. He declined to comment about the explosion until he can meet with investigators.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/topstory.aspx?articleid=24795&zoneid=83