Explosion reported as Denver Fire Department responds to structure fire at retirement community

Eight people were taken to a hospital and two were evaluated and cleared, according to Denver Fire

Eight people were injured and taken to the hospital after an explosion at a retirement community.

The Denver Fire Department reported an explosion while responding to a burning building.

Crews responded to a structure fire near Quebec Street and Smith Way at roughly 11:30 a.m. At the same time, Denver Fire reported a transformer was on fire and that there were no other hazards.

Just after noon, however, the fire department said an explosion “has been reported inside building” on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A spokesperson for the agency said 10 people were being evaluated. Denver Fire later reported that eight of them were taken to a hospital and two had been cleared.

No information was shared about the extent of people’s injuries, or whether they came from the fire or the explosion.

Denver Fire said on social media that the building is a large nursing and assisted living facility.

The Denver Gazette’s news partner, 9News, contributed to this report.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Denver Fire responded to a structure fire and explosion at a retirement community in southeast Denver Wednesday morning. Eight people were taken to the hospital for evaluations. (Courtesy of Denver Fire)
Denver Fire responded to a structure fire and explosion at a retirement community in southeast Denver Wednesday morning. Eight people were taken to the hospital for evaluations. (Courtesy of Denver Fire)
FILE PHOTO: A Denver fire truck responds to an emergency in downtown Denver on June 27, 2023. (The Denver Gazette)
FILE PHOTO: A Denver fire truck responds to an emergency in downtown Denver on June 27, 2023. (The Denver Gazette)
Denver Fire is responding to a fire near Smith Way and Quebec Street. (Courtesy, Apple Maps)
Denver Fire is responding to a fire near Smith Way and Quebec Street. (Courtesy, Apple Maps)

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