Explosion at Denver Retirement Facility Sends Eight to Hospital, Displaces Residents

DENVER — An explosion inside an assisted living facility in Denver left eight individuals hospitalized and nearly 90 residents displaced on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near the Eastern Star Masonic Retirement Campus, located at Quebec Street and High Line Smith Way, just north of E. Yale Avenue and S. Quebec Street.

The Denver Fire Department (DFD) reported that firefighters initially responded to a structure fire involving a transformer. Although the flames had not reached the facility, an explosion was reported within the building. DFD Captain Luis Cedillo indicated that construction activities were ongoing at the time, leading to speculation about the cause, which will be investigated to confirm any link.

Officials later clarified that a power line was accidentally struck during construction, igniting the transformer fire and subsequent explosion. ‘We know that they needed immediate care, and crews were able to quickly work with Denver Health and other EMS agencies to transport them as promptly as possible,’ Cedillo stated.

Among the hospitalized, eight people were transported to a medical facility, while two others received evaluations on-site but were cleared. The fire department has not disclosed specifics about the injuries suffered. A staff member from the facility informed Denver7 that all hospitalized individuals were staff members.

Jane Cahn, a resident living near the main building, remarked, ‘This is something of a magnitude that’s not happened since I’ve been here.’ The explosion impacted a building housing assisted living and memory care residents, according to accounts from staff and residents.

As of the latest updates, 87 individuals have been displaced due to the incident, and access to the building remains restricted. It is uncertain when, or if, displaced residents will be permitted to return. Amid concerns, resident Sara Thorp expressed distress over the situation; her 96-year-old grandmother was initially unaccounted for, prompting a frantic search. Eventually, Thorp learned that her grandmother was relocated to a nearby facility along with other residents.

The Red Cross has activated a disaster action team to assist those affected by the incident. They reported that, by Wednesday evening, all residents had either been picked up by family members or placed into temporary housing.

Investigators are now assessing the structural integrity of the building following the powerful explosion. Police officials have also notified Xcel Energy regarding the incident. This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.