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Screenshot of the exploding truck.
19 Sep 2024

Explosion killed a batalion chief when firefighters opened a burning truck

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This post contains a disturbing video of a tragic incident in Greene County, Georgia, which claimed the life of a Battalion Chief on September 4. The firefighter was killed in an explosion while responding to a burning truck. 

Firefighters were called to the scene before 10 a.m., according to the Union-Recorder

According to Firehouse.com,  Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith told the Morgan County Citizen that a “violent explosion” happened when firefighters opened the truck.

 Chief Garret Smith described the blast as “violent.” 

The cause of the fire and subsequent explosion is currently under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.

Chief Smith expressed hope that more details about the incident would emerge in the coming weeks. In a statement from the Greene County Board of Commissioners, they expressed deep sorrow over the  line-of-duty death and extended their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

 He was known for his humour and was assigned to Station No. 11 of Greene County Fire Rescue.

Photo Credit: Screenshot from the video by Greene County Fire & Rescue. The fire behaviour starts getting intense around 5 min 20 seconds into the video.