Local News
1300 Students Evacuated Due to Gas Leak in Queens, New York
Queens, New York – A gas leak incident occurred in Queens on Thursday, resulting in the evacuation of a school and surrounding properties.
According to firefighters, National Grid confirmed that the gas leak has been fully contained, and all FDNY operations have concluded. All units have been cleared to leave the scene.
The school has been completely evacuated, and all children are safely distanced from the building.
Firefighters and National Grid personnel are on-site to assess the situation and ensure the area is safe.
Earlier reports indicated that there were no gas readings detected in the school or surrounding buildings. Firefighters and National Grid were on the scene evaluating the gas leak while children sheltered in place at the school.
Audio clips from the incident are available.
If you are in the area or have additional information, please share it by going live from a safe distance or leaving a comment to help keep your community informed.
Initial reports indicated that firefighters were responding to a ruptured high-pressure gas main. However, the incident was later corrected to a report of a gas main being struck.
There were also reports of a truck fire in the area.
A 911 caller reported an unconfirmed incident at 88-40 179th Street.
Please stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
Local News
Two Experienced Skydivers Levi Pimentel and Georgia Jean Killed in Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore
LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Two experienced skydivers have died following a tragic midair collision near Lake Elsinore in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled during their final approach to the landing area.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both women died Friday after the accident near Skydive Elsinore, according to information released by the skydiving company.
Officials with Skydive Elsinore said the collision occurred approximately 160 feet above the ground as the two women were approaching the landing area. Following the impact, their parachutes became entangled, preventing them from completing a safe landing.
Emergency responders were dispatched at approximately 11:47 a.m. and found both women near the airfield suffering from critical injuries. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center, where both later died.
Skydive Elsinore described Pimentel and Jean as experienced, licensed skydivers who were familiar with the sport.
According to the company, the freefall portion of the jump appeared to proceed normally. Both women reportedly deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude, and officials said there were no indications of equipment failures.
The company also addressed weather conditions at the time of the accident. Winds were reportedly strong, with gusts reaching approximately 20 mph. However, investigators have not determined whether the wind conditions contributed to the collision.
Skydive Elsinore said it was devastated by the deaths of the two women and extended its condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
The fatal accident occurred near Lake Elsinore, a city in Riverside County located approximately 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, and officials have not established whether weather or other factors played a role in the incident.