Affected Archives

Community Rallies to Support Families Affected by Fireworks Tragedy at Sallisaw Fundraiser on July 26

VIAN, Okla. — A tragic accident during a fireworks display has left a community in mourning, prompting family and friends to gather to honor the life of Ely Smith, a 22-year-old Oklahoma man who succumbed to his injuries earlier this month. A memorial service was held Saturday at Blackgum Harvestime Church, where attendees shared heartfelt tributes filled with songs, videos, and prayers that celebrated Ely’s vibrant spirit. Born in Poteau and raised in Vian, Ely …

Heartbreak in Orlando: Father of Tragic Shooting Victim Launches Nonprofit to Support Families Affected by Violence

Orlando, Florida — In the wake of a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two young men during a Halloween celebration, a grieving father is sharing his heartache and calling for action to prevent future tragedies. Timothy Schmidt remembers his son, Timothy Schmidt Jr., affectionately known as “Timo,” as a vibrant 19-year-old who was navigating his freshman year at the University of Central Florida and pursuing his passion for soccer. On the night of …

Austin Neighborhood Rocked by House Explosion: One Home Destroyed, 24 Damaged, and Nearby School Affected

AUSTIN, Texas — A significant explosion devastated a residential home in Austin, Texas, leading to the complete destruction of the building and causing damage to 24 additional properties in the area. The catastrophic event has initiated a substantial cleanup and detailed damage assessment operation across the affected neighborhood. Dylan Martin, the owner of Absolute Design Build, a local full-service contracting firm, is at the forefront of the recovery efforts. In discussing the financial impact, Martin …

Massive Pipeline Explosion Rocks Malaysian Community on Eid Holiday, Over 100 Affected

Putra Heights, Malaysia — A devastating gas pipeline explosion on Tuesday near Kuala Lumpur incinerated homes and forced the evacuation of over a hundred residents, casting vast plumes of fire into the sky visible for miles. The inferno, which broke out adjacent to a petrol station in this suburb during the second day of Eid celebrations, prompted emergency responses from multiple agencies. The fire, which began at 8:10 a.m. at a pipeline operated by Malaysian …

Gas Leak Suspected in Devastating Cicero Home Explosion; Neighboring Buildings Also Affected

CICERO, Ill. — A suspected gas leak triggered a devastating explosion and fire at a residential building in the west suburb of Cicero, causing significant damage but resulting in no injuries, as it occurred when the home was unoccupied. The incident happened around 5 p.m. Saturday in a two-story home located in the 2200 block of Central Avenue. According to Cicero Fire Chief Jeff Penzkofer, the explosion was so powerful that it destroyed the entire …

Propane Tank Explosion Shatters Home in Scott, Neighbors Affected by Flying Debris

Scott, LA — A residential explosion in Scott severely damaged a home on Sunday morning after a propane tank malfunctioned, according to local fire officials. The incident, which occurred in the 1200 block of St. Mary Street, resulted from an over-pressurized propane tank that spectacularly ruptured as temperatures rose. Chief Chad Sonnier of the Scott Fire Department reported that the explosion took place just before 10:49 a.m., devastating the home’s structure. Investigations suggest that the …

Explosion Aftermath: Floresville City Considers Compensation for Affected Homeowners Following Gas Line Incident

FLORESVILLE, Texas — Residents of Floresville may see some financial respite after a gas line explosion in July significantly damaged multiple homes, raising concerns and prompting citywide discussions about safety and compensation. City officials are now considering a reimbursement scheme to alleviate the financial burden on homeowners affected by the incident. The explosion, which occurred in a residential area, sent shockwaves through the community, both literally and metaphorically. The force of the blast shattered windows, …

South Jordan Community Rallies at Local Culver’s to Support Family Affected by Tragic Home Explosion

South Jordan, Utah — In a striking display of community solidarity, the Culver’s restaurant in South Jordan dedicated a full day to supporting a local family devastated by a tragic accident. The event, held from open to close on Saturday, saw 100% of the net sales donated to the Hansen family, whose home was destroyed by a gas leak explosion in early November, tragically claiming the life of 15-year-old Logan Hansen. Culver’s owner Jake Larsen …

Brownville Home Rattled by Propane Explosion: One Injured, Pets Affected, and Family Displaced

Brownville, NY – A residential explosion, triggered by a propane leak, rocked a home in Brownville Tuesday morning, resulting in minor injuries for one individual and displacing three residents. The incident occurred on Bonney Road and caused significant structural damage to the building. Assistant Chief Craig Postorino of the Brownville Fire Department, who was among the first responders at the scene, indicated that the explosion was powerful enough to disrupt the house’s foundation. Despite the …

North Carolina Resident Among Those Affected in Nationwide Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Meats

A resident of North Carolina has fallen ill as part of a growing listeriosis outbreak that spans across multiple states and is potentially linked to deli meats, officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Friday. The wave of illness has led to hospitalizations in 12 states and is believed to be linked to meats commonly sliced at deli counters. According to data gathered by the CDC from May 29 to July …