Investigation Underway As Fire Obliterates Krispy Kreme Outlet in College Station
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – A pre-dawn inferno razed down the local Krispy Kreme outlet on Harvey Road on Monday, according to Fire Chief Richard Mann. Reacting to the incident, he revealed that no casualties were reported as no one was present inside the building when the fire broke out, moments before 2 a.m.
Details of the Incident
Investigators piecing together the sequence of events report clear evidence suggesting an explosion. “There was debris on the roadway indicating some type of explosion” noted Chief Mann. The conflagration on Harvey Road, close to the Post Oak Mall, was massive. Reports point to an explosion being the likely cause of the blaze, with surrounding windows shattered due to the impact.
Stuart Marrs, the Public Information Officer for the College Station Fire Department, stated that a Gumby’s Pizza employee, located nearby, heard the explosion and observed the doughnut outlet fully engulfed in flames. The intensity of the fire was such that parts of the building were collapsing, forcing emergency responders to tackle the blaze from the exterior using large-bore nozzles and aerial ladders.
Response and Investigation
Upon realizing the enormity of the situatuation, additional resources were called for around 2:30 a.m., including a second fire hydrant to increase water supply. The incident is still under active investigation by authorities; however, thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far.
Chief Mann commended the response efforts stating that while the building was a total loss, thankfully, no adjacent structures were damaged by the fire. He also extended gratitude to the firefighters from the South Brazos County Fire Department and Brazos County Precinct 4 Volunteer Fire Department for stepping in and backfilling the College Station stations during the crisis.
Road Closure and Present Situation
Harvey Road suffered a temporary closure from Rhett Butler Drive to Scarlet O’Hara Drive, but has since been reopened, according to the College Station Police Department.
The Krispy Kreme establishment was unquestionably eclipsed by the flames. Residents woke up to alarming visuals of a beloved breakfast stop, replaced by a smouldering ruin, highlighting the debilitating power of such disasters.
Looking Forward
As the community reflects on the loss and shock of the incident, the investigation to unearth the cause of the explosion and fire continues in full force, under careful scrutiny of the authorities. Safety evaluations of neighboring buildings are also likely to ensure no residual damage threatens the vicinity.
