WASHINGTON — The old Washington Times warehouse has been evacuated after a large battery exploded early Tuesday morning.
Pete Piringer, spokesman for DC Fire and EMS confirms hazmat crews are responding to the warehouse in the 2800 block of New York Avenue in Northeast where a 24-volt battery exploded shortly after 8:00 a.m.
Piringer says all 25 employees of the warehouse have been accounted for, two of whom are being evaluated. Piringer says EMS is transporting four victims with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
Hazmat crews have the stabilized the hazard and has power under control. The building, which now belongs to the DC Department of Public Works, is being ventilated.
The explosion appears to have been caused by a generator battery malfunction. The incident is under investigation.
Republished with permission from WUSA9