Posted on 12/20/2004 6:15:40 PM PST by O.C. - Old Cracker
DULUTH, Minn. - Investigators were trying to determine on Monday the cause of the Sunday night explosions that destroyed a local ice arena and injured several broomball players and fans.
People inside the building said they suspected the explosion came from a room containing an ice-grooming machine, which are often known by the brand name Zamboni.
Fire Chief John Strongitharm said after the initial blast in the room, there were at least two subsequent explosions.
He thought they were caused by propane tanks stored near the ice-groomer. Ice grooming machines often use the flammable gas as fuel.
Strongitharm estimated the damage to Peterson Arena was more than $600,000, which doesn't include any ice making or other arena equipment.
"The internal contents of the building would certainly increase that upwards," Strongitharm said of the damage estimate.
Most of the broomball players were on the rink far away from initial explosion, Strongitharm said, and avoided serious injury.
"I would think it is very fortunate that the explosion happened when the people were away from that door and they all had the sense to drop their broomball sticks and get out," Strongitharm said.
The investigation into what caused the initial blast could take several days or weeks. "There's an enormous amount of work that still needs to be done," he said.
Meanwhile, the loss of one of its two indoor hockey facilities is a major blow to the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association and its 800 youth hockey players.
"We're down a facility and this is the prime time of the season," said DAHA Executive Director Clarke Coole. "This is going to impact our program enormously."
---
Information from: Duluth News Tribune, http://www.duluthsuperior.com
propane gas = not a good companion.
Exploding Zamboni? Didn't he once play first base for the Yankees?
Zamboni? Os he an Al Qaeda guy?
Like what do you do when there's NO ICE?
In Winter, there's always ice somewhere, maybe just not inside and nice and smooth.
Congress must pass legislation to mandate explosion proof Zamboni's </sarcasm
No but The Exploding Zambonis would be a great name for a rock group.
....or a family Human Cannonball act.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.