Major operation in Hessisch Oldendorf: supermarket evacuated due to gas leak

Major operation in Hessisch Oldendorf: supermarket evacuated due to gas leak

In Hessisch Oldendorf there was a spectacular operation by the fire brigade today, which captivated thousands of passers-by. A fire alarm in a supermarket on Welseder Strasse prompted a quick response and a large-scale operation that ultimately ensured the safety of those present. Loud Dewezet The automatic fire alarm system triggered an alarm, which immediately led to the building being evacuated before the emergency services arrived. The city fire chief Tobias Ebbighausen was the first firefighter on site and immediately went to investigate what was happening.

Initial reports from employees indicated a gas leak in a smoky room from which a hissing noise could be heard. Alarmed by the urgency of the situation, the fire department used a high-performance fan to expel the potentially dangerous gases outside. Initially only the fire departments from Hessisch Oldendorf and Segelhorst were alerted, but the situation quickly required more support.

A large contingent due to gas leaks

At around 6 p.m. Ebbighausen called for reinforcements, which led to a large contingent. Firefighters from Barksen, Zersen, Wickbolsen, Rohden, Welsede, Fuhlen, Hemeringen and Großenwieden joined the operation, together with specialists in respiratory protection and hygiene. A total of 118 emergency services from 14 towns and villages were involved in dealing with the situation.

The center of attention was a machine room with cooling technology, whose inner door revealed white plumes when Ebbighausen opened it. In order to minimize the risk, a steel door that was about four meters high was broken down. A respiratory protection crew tried to seal the leak in a connecting pipe with electrical tape and cable ties while the team waited for a specialist company to arrive. It finally turned out that a technical defect in the cooling system was responsible for the gas leak.

Dangers from carbon dioxide

Although the carbon dioxide released is not considered toxic, at high concentrations it can be harmful and impair metabolism. The team acted quickly and carefully to ensure the safety of the public while they waited for professionals to arrive.

In recent years, the Hessisch Oldendorf fire department has increasingly had to struggle with technical defects and their consequences, which also underlines the importance of preventive measures. The challenges in fire and hazard prevention are not new, as the current analyzes by the CTIF (Centre Technique de l'Incendie et de la Sécurité) show. A recent publication looks at global fire statistics and highlights how urban developments influence fire risks, including the causes and impacts of fires in urban areas. Details can be found on the official CTIF website here.

The fire department will continue to investigate the events in order to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident in Hessisch Oldendorf and to identify possible improvements in the processes. In a time when techniques and technologies are constantly changing, the safety of the population remains the top priority.