Did anyone witness the blast? I've talked to several people this morning that said they felt it as far away as Shawnee Way.

My sincere condolences for all the people & businesses involved in this tragic & horrible incident - I truly hope no one has been seriously injured!


UPDATE 3:20pm - A collaborative map of the affected explosion area has been created at Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&t=h&msid=,-111.032499&spn=0.005052,0.011222&z=17


UPDATE 2:50pm - A record of action taken by Bozeman's community has been nicely summarized at http://bridgetcavanaugh.com/

New photographs of the aftermath have been posted:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/content/articles/2009/03/05/n
http://www.billingsgazette.net/content/articles/2009/03/05/n
http://www.flickr.com/photos/72ppi/sets/72157614846374740/

UPDATE 2:20pm - Just ONE person is now unaccounted for. (Everyone keep him/her in your thoughts!)

Electricity has been cut to the site for workers' safety - NW Energy crews plan for the gas to be shut off by 3:00pm


UPDATE 2:10pm - Press conference has announced that 2 people are still unaccounted for.

A meeting will take place at 3:00pm at the Gallatin County Courthouse with information for both residents and business owners.

UPDATE 2:00pm - KXLB reports Hawthorne School to be closed for the rest of today. Hawthorne School expects to resume as normal tomorrow.

UPDATE 1:40pm - MT Department of Transportation reports East Bozeman interchange has been re-opened, and traffic is being re-routed around downtown area.

City repair & cleanup efforts are underway! Photos can be viewed at http://flickr.com/photos/crd/


UPDATE 1:34pm - Official emergency info regarding the explosion/fire is being posted at http://www.bozeman.net/

Gallatin Community Clinic is temporarily shut down: Gallatin Community Clinic appointments are being rerouted to the Belgrade clinic ( 406-922-0820 ) and Livingston clinic ( 406-222-1111 ) until further notice.

Businesses who are providing assistance to ground crews at the explosion site may be recognized by contacting Phil at philip@manifestbozeman.com or (406) 585-9406

Sid Gustafson, local novelist & veterinarian, is offering board for displaced pets/animals. Contact him at (406) 466-2088



UPDATE 1:08pm - YouTube videos of the destruction have been posted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImT-hbdiYKQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VghHWMrbvc

UPDATE 12:45pm - Many details still unconfirmed. Supposedly, natural gas has yet to be shut off and the fire is still going. NW Energy crews are coming from Butte to resolve this. KXLB 100.7 FM seems to be providing steady coverage - Stay tuned for further updates.

Grace Bible Church has set up a shelter for displaced people. Call them at (406) 586-9782

Business owners who need assistance should call MT Dept. of Commerce at (406) 841-2700

Restaurants are being asked to help provide food and supplies to emergency crews working at the explosion site. Others wishing to offer assistance should come to Bozeman City Hall or or contact them at (406) 582-2300

Manifest Creative is keeping an updated gallery of photos at the following link:
http://manifestbozeman.com/blog/2009/03/05/bozeman-montana-e

UPDATE 10:13am - Press conference happening now - Listen live online at the following link:
http://www.xlcountry.com/common/stw_player.php

UPDATE 9:55am - Another photo from the web
http://mont.images.worldnow.com/images/9952373_BG3.jpg

UPDATE 9:24am -
Photo of the decimation - http://www.flickr.com/photos/crd/3330381041/sizes/l/

UPDATE 9:20am -
More information & photos here coming in from KBZK
http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/Global/story.asp?S=995237