Rescue crews evacuated eight buildings at a Tacoma apartment complex on Sunday afternoon after a series of explosions sent smoke pouring from the walls. The scene prompted a large emergency response, though officials said no major injuries had been reported.
The incident happened just after 5:30 on South 12th Street, near Tacoma Community College. Residents reported smoke coming from the walls of the building before crews arrived on the scene.
According to officials, rescue crews sprang into action and cleared eight buildings out of an abundance of caution. Responders evaluated people on the scene, emphasizing that with smoke present in any building, the priority was making sure everyone was safe.
Some elderly residents needed assistance being evacuated from the complex, and crews helped them get out safely as the evacuation expanded across the eight buildings.
Officials said no one had been transported and there had been no major injuries so far. Crews continued evaluating residents at the scene as a precaution.
The people who were evacuated were taken to nearby Hunt Middle School, where they waited while authorities assessed the situation and worked to confirm it was safe to return.
Investigators and Tacoma Power were working to determine what caused the explosions. The cause had not been confirmed, and the investigation was continuing.