Authorities on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, respond to a Lehi apartment complex where an early-morning explosion injured two and forced the evacuation of 90 units (KUTV photo: Kurt Smith)
LEHI, Utah (KUTV) — 90 families in Lehi were forced to evacuate their apartments after an early-morning explosion that injured two people and set off the building's sprinkler system, authorities said.
The blast happened shortly after 4 a.m. on Tuesday at the Lehi Tech Apartments in the area of 200 South and 1300 East.
According to a statement from the city, a married couple in the apartment where the explosion originated both sustained injuries from flying debris. Both were treated at the scene.No other injuries were reported.
"At this time, the cause of the explosion is under investigation, and the circumstances are considered suspicious," according to Lehi City Communications Manager Jeanteil Livingston.
Photos shared by the city showed a balcony door and adjacent window that appeared to have been blown off the building completely, and a screen door laid crumpled over the edge of the balcony rail.
The window frame had apparently been blasted completely off the building in the explosion, exposing underlaying where the window used to be, along with what appeared to be pink curtains and a blanket hanging on the interior of the apartment.
There weren't any signs of major damage that was immediately apparent on any of the neighboring apartment's windows or doors, though authorities haven't said what sort of damage the blast may have caused inside.
Livingston's statement didn't say what specifically made the incident suspicious to investigators, if any crimes had been committed or whether any arrests had been made or citations issued.
The building remained evacuated into the morning as crews worked to restore the fire suppression system.
Resident Haley Jibson said she woke up to the sound and watched from her balcony as people evacuated.
"It sounded like lightning hitting a tree, and then like a branch breaking," she said.
The tenants were allowed back in once the units were "deemed safe for reentry," which was at about 10:30 a.m.
As investigators continue to search for the cause of the explosion, residents like Jibson are hoping for answers soon.
"There was no fire, there was no smoke... But I'm sure they'll figure it out," she said.
The American Red Cross provided temporary assistance to the displaced families and the Lehi Tech Apartments opened unoccupied units in a building away from the scene where families could stay until authorities give the all-clear for them to return home.
Nxt Property Management released the following statement:
In the early hours of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, an incident occurred in one of the apartments at Lehi Tech Apartments due to a resident’s actions, resulting in an eruption and activation of the sprinkler system. Emergency response teams were promptly dispatched, and the Fire Marshal confirmed that no injuries were reported among residents or staff. The affected apartment, along with nearby units, sustained property damage from the water exposure.
Local authorities have inspected the building, and residents have been cleared to return to their homes. Repairs to the impacted areas will be addressed swiftly. The Lehi Tech management team remains committed to providing a safe and comfortable living environment and is fully cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
We appreciate the quick and professional response of the Lehi Fire Department, emergency personnel, and the Red Cross. We will continue to support affected residents and collaborate closely with all agencies involved throughout the investigation.
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