Compressed air tank explodes outside dive shop

Published 11:21 am Wednesday, October 16, 2013

OLYMPIA — An Olympia fire official says a compressed air tank stored outside a dive shop exploded, flinging shrapnel as far as 50 yards away, and blew a hole in the back of Capital Divers.

Deputy Fire Chief Greg Wright said he was “just really relieved” that no one was hurt in the Tuesday afternoon explosion.

The Olympian reported the compressed air tanks are made of metal, and carry 3,000 pounds per square inch of air to fill scuba tanks used by sea divers. Wright says it’s not yet known what caused the blast.

Traffic was temporarily diverted from the area.

Capital Divers owner Wayne Fowler was clearing debris from a nearby street Tuesday afternoon. He told the newspaper that the air tanks outside his business were properly stored. He said he believed an insurance company would investigate. He declined further comment.

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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com