Early Tuesday morning, the quiet of Olive Branch was shattered by an explosion at the site of the not-yet-open Southern VIP Pain Management clinic. According to a statement from the City of Olive Branch spokesperson, obtained by Local Memphis, authorities have traced the cause to the "ignition of a natural gas device."
The incident, which occurred around 12:45 a.m. in the 8900 block of Germantown Road, prompted responses from the local police and fire departments. Renovations were underway at the building to prepare for the clinic. Fortunately, no injuries were reported by neighbors, who were disturbed by a loud boom in the dead of night. A neighbor described hearing a "boom," and then witnessing fire and police officers responding 15 minutes later, as per WREG.
While the investigation by the Olive Branch Fire Department is ongoing, the city has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. As reported by Action News 5, "Authorities indicate the explosion was caused by the ignition of a natural gas device."
