
Three firefighters and one employee are injured after a gas line was cut eventually leading to an explosion early Monday afternoon.
Branson Fire Chief Ted Martin tells the Branson Tri-Lakes News that a construction crew accidental cut a gas line while doing some work at the Spark Hotel by Hilton on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Firefighters were called to the scene and they along with hotel employees evacuated guests from the premises. Firefighters were attempting to disperse the gas when it reached an unknown source that ignited it causing the explosion starting the fire.
Firefighters from Southern Stone County and Western Taney County responded to assist with the fire while Branson Police assisted with use of their drone to locate areas of the hotel that were on fire.
Martin said the cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Branson Tri-Lakes News reports that the four injured were taken to a Springfield Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
On their Facebook page, management of the Spark/Hilton Hotel said the property would be closed indefinitely and were notifying guests who had future reservations.