Gas explosion on North Main street

Photographer

Gruver, Lowell "Bud"

Date

• June 1, 1981

Summary

• This photo shows the scene of a gas explosion and fire that leveled the Agnew and Porter Law Office at 107 North Main Street. City workers were digging a trench for a new sewer which ruptured a gas line and injured more than a dozen people. Law firm staff were warned to evacuate the building by a city worker and were either out or headed out of the door when the building blew up. Also damaged by the fire were the Old Time Coffee Shop at 109 n: Main Street, the Janesville Youth Center at 105 N. Main Street, and Ed and Larry's Fast Vacuum Service at 103 N. Main Street. These three buildings were demolished as a result of the fire.