It’s been nearly a week since a massive encampment explosion caught the attention of nearly everyone in Seattle and sent one person to Harborview Medical Center.
Based on the initial report from Seattle Police, witnesses and those who lived at the encampment told investigators the explosion was caused by an alleged beef between some people inside the encampment.
A witness told police someone saw explosive devices outside a tent and tried to clear everyone out.
Moments later, that witness also told police they heard gunshots and saw flashes from a nearby bush and someone screaming that they were being shot at.
This encampment off James Street is only a few hundred feet away from Harborview Medical Center.
KIRO7 has obtained a new video of the explosion that shows flames rising sky-high.
Because of the explosion and other reports, both the City of Seattle and WSDOT have begun clearing out the encampment. They sent us this joint statement on the matter:
“WSDOT is working with the City of Seattle, Seattle Police Department (SPD) and other partners to support emergency action at the encampment on Yesler on the NE side of I-5 following an SPD investigation into recent fires and explosions at the site and the confirmation of significant criminal activity occurring there. The recent spate of fires and explosions at this location have created risk for users of the adjacent roadway and also Harborview Medical Center.”
KIRO7 spoke with one person who lived at the encampment for some time and why he believes this isn’t the right move to make.
“They say it’s for public safety and they kick 30 people out of their home? Out of what they consider their homes? It’s unbelievable,” Cameron, who lived at the encampment, said.
He also told KIRO7 he hardly had any notice from crews of the clear-out and had to gather all he could in a short matter of time. He also says that the acts of a few shouldn’t push the rest of them out and look for a new place to go.
“Something like this happens after you have been in a comfortable place for two years and I am at ground….phase one again. Like…great…..like now where am I going to go? Cameron said.
Seattle Police are still investigating this incident.
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