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The American Red Cross is aiding residents after a car crashed into the Butternut Street Apartments in Syracuse on Sunday (November 23). The accident ruptured a gas main, leaving approximately 60 residents from 48 units without heat. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to the Syracuse Fire Department, the crash occurred around 12:52 p.m. and led to the evacuation of the affected building and two adjacent buildings as a precaution. National Grid is working to repair the gas leak, while the Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at the SRC Arena on the Onondaga Community College campus. Buses transported the evacuated residents to the shelter, where they are provided with food, water, and warmth until the building is deemed safe for return.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Police have not yet identified the driver, although someone was evaluated at the scene. The Red Cross anticipates that residents will be displaced for at least three days.
In a separate incident on the same street, a house fire broke out, displacing ten more residents. Firefighters quickly controlled the blaze, and the Red Cross is also assisting these individuals.