1 injured in apparent explosion at building under construction in Woodstock

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Woodstock Fire says one person was injured in an apparent explosion in an elevator shaft at a building under construction.

The incident happened at a building under construction at the Holbrook of Woodstock senior facility at 3682 GA-92.

Channel 2′s Cobb County Bureau Chief Chris Jose was at the scene, where one worker was taken to the hospital with abdominal injuries. The worker has not been identified.

Officials aren’t sure if it was a gas or electrical explosion, but said it appears to have happened in an electrical shaft.

The fire department is still searching the area.

Atlanta Gas Light released a statement about the incident:

Atlanta Gas Light has been notified of an incident near Highway 92 in Woodstock. Ensuring the safety of every family we serve is our highest priority, and we are working with local authorities to determine the nature of the incident and evaluate if there are any immediate impacts to customers, the community or the safety and security of our infrastructure. We will continue to keep our customers and community informed as the situation progresses.

On Friday, the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner released a statement:

The Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced today that state investigators are looking into a gas explosion that occurred at a vacant retirement home in Woodstock on Thursday, November 12. “Our investigators received a call from the Woodstock Fire Department on Thursday,” said Commissioner King. “We were all very thankful to learn that no elderly person was in the home at the time of the explosion as the Holbrook of Woodstock facility was still under construction. However, one construction worker was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is in our prayers.” State investigators soon learned that the accidental explosion was due to a purge of natural gas at the facility. Commissioner King’s State Fire Investigations Unit is still working on this case along with the Georgia Public Service Commission, Atlanta Gas Light, and the Woodstock Fire Department. Investigators remain confident that this explosion was accidental, but Commissioner King’s office will provide any necessary updates to the press and the public as they become available. Requests for photos of the scene should be directed to the Woodstock Fire Department. ### The mission of the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians."

Cox Media Group