Riverton blast: warehouse explosion disrupts downtown traffic and services

A powerful explosion ripped through a multi-tenant warehouse in Riverton’s industrial district just before 10 a.m. Saturday, sending flames and thick smoke over Harbor Avenue and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

What happened
– When: Feb. 28, shortly before 10:00 a.m.
– Where: 400 block of Harbor Avenue, Riverton downtown industrial zone
– Who: Riverton Fire Department, Riverton Police, emergency medical services, municipal authorities, hazmat teams and the state fire marshal
– Why: Under investigation; early statements point to an industrial accident but officials have not ruled out other causes

Scene and response
Witnesses described a thunderous blast at about 9:46 a.m., followed by heavy flames and the partial collapse of the warehouse’s eastern bays. Firefighters and police arrived within minutes. Authorities established a roughly one-mile exclusion zone, ordered evacuations of nearby buildings and briefly locked down, then evacuated, a nearby school as a precaution.

Riverton Fire Chief Maria Alvarez said crews treated multiple injured people at the scene and transported at least one person in critical condition to Riverton General Hospital. As of the latest updates, eight people had been treated on site and three admitted to hospital, including one in critical condition. These numbers are provisional and may change as search-and-rescue operations continue.

On-scene conditions
Fire crews focused on internal searches of the damaged structure while hazmat units evaluated materials stored in the building. Officials reported pockets of dense, chemically tinged smoke that hampered some approach routes and forced responders to coordinate closely with structural and hazardous-materials teams to open safe search corridors.

Police spokeswoman Dana Cole urged residents to avoid Harbor Avenue and to obey evacuation orders until authorities give the all-clear.

Timeline (selected)
– 09:46 — Explosion reported; emergency calls flooded dispatch
– 09:50 — Fire and police units arrive on scene
– 09:58 — First ambulance departs with a critically injured person
– 10:15 — Evacuation order and school lockdown initiated
– 10:40 — Hazmat teams begin staging; perimeter expanded
– 11:05 — Partial structural collapse confirmed; drone assessment begins

Investigation and traffic impacts
The city’s major incidents unit has taken control of the scene. Fire department investigators, working with the state fire marshal, will examine the site when it is safe to do so; officials have said they will inspect shipping manifests and storage records as part of the probe.

Harbor Avenue remains closed to vehicles and public transit. Major arterial detours are in place; commuters should expect continued disruptions while crews secure the area and inspect gas and electrical lines. Utility companies are conducting assessments, and temporary service interruptions are possible.

Health and safety advice
Officials warn that smoke may reduce air quality in nearby neighborhoods. People with respiratory conditions should stay indoors, keep windows closed and seek medical attention if they experience breathing problems, dizziness or other concerning symptoms.