North Carolina

2 missing after massive fire at North Carolina construction site, fire chief says

Published

2 years ago

May 18, 2023

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2 missing after massive fire at North Carolina construction site, fire chief says

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Structure fire in the 7700 block Liberty Row Dr. (Charlotte Fire Department)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two construction workers are unaccounted for after a massive, fast-moving fire broke out at a North Carolina construction site Thursday morning, the city’s fire chief said.

Fifteen workers, including a crane operator, were rescued by the more than 90 firefighters called to the five-alarm blaze in the South Park neighborhood of Charlotte just after 9 a.m., Fire Chief Reginald Johnson said at a news conference. The crane operator was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, Johnson said. Two workers were unaccounted for according to the foreman, the chief said.

The fire moved very rapidly and as crews worked to rescue all of the construction workers in the building, on two occasions, firefighters got trapped and had to be rescued by fellow firefighters, Johnson said.

“The men and women of this department put themselves in harm’s way and actually had to call for assistance themselves to get out of this fire. That’s how fast it was moving,” Johnson said. “I’m proud of the work that we’ve done here.”

Images from the scene showed tall flames and a yellow crane could be seen amid huge clouds of smoke. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police tweeted a request for people not to call 911 except in an emergency while the fire department battles the blaze.

Structure fire in the 7700 block Liberty Row Dr. (Charlotte Fire Department)

Investigators on the scene will determine the cause of the fire, Johnson said.

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North Carolina

Santa Claus swaps reindeer for alpacas at farm in Waynesville

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Santa Claus swaps reindeer for alpacas at farm in Waynesville

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. — At Winchester Creek Farm, Santa Claus traded in his traditional reindeer for alpacas during the farm’s Santa Tour on Monday.

The event offered visitors a unique opportunity to pose for photos with Santa and interact closely with the farm’s animals.

The farm also featured a large mailbox for children to send their letters to Santa. Luanna Baldwin, a mother from Canton, expressed her delight with the experience.

“This was a great outing to take the girls for some Christmas magic,” Baldwin said. “They’ve been asking to see Santa, write a letter specifically, so that was super fun.”

At Winchester Creek Farm, Santa Claus traded in his traditional reindeer for alpacas during the farm’s Santa Tour, which concluded on Monday, Dec. 23.

WLOS via CNN Newsource

In addition to the alpacas, the tour allowed guests to feed and pet various other farm animals. Farm Manager Ashley Edwards highlighted the joy the event brings to visitors of all ages.

“We have people come in who are in their 60s, 70s, and above who have never touched a chicken before, and I’m able to provide that kind of happiness to their hearts to their soul, and I think it’s great,” Edwards said. “This is a memory people aren’t going to forget.”

Winchester Creek Farm has been hosting the Santa Tours for the past six years. Although this year’s event has ended, the farm offers tours throughout the year.

Winchester Creek Farm operates as a year-round working farm, raising animals primarily for the fiber produced by their coats.

SEE ALSO | Schools closed for winter break: Family fun things to do

Featured video is ABC11 24/7 Livestream

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North Carolina

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Multiple injuries reported in northeast Charlotte 8-car crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – An eight-car crash injured several people and shut down a major interstate on Christmas Eve, the Charlotte Fire Department confirmed.

The crash happened at Interstate 85 North at West W.T. Harris Boulevard. I-85 was shut down by 7:40 p.m. and isn’t expected to reopen before 10:40 p.m.

Of those injured, two were taken to area hospitals, according to Medic.

Crews at the scene said to expect significant delays in the area.

For the latest traffic maps, visit drivenc.gov.

WBTV is working to find out more information. Download the free WBTV News app for the latest updates sent straight to your device.

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North Carolina

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina

Published

21 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

How AM radio helped storm recovery efforts in North Carolina – CBS News

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After Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to North Carolina, internet and cell phone service were spotty at best. But many were able to coordinate relief efforts and get crucial information out over AM radio. Skyler Henry has the story.