Evening News Update
Written by Tom Tharp on July 20, 2021
There is an air quality alert in effect for Western New York including the GLOW region till Midnight tonight Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an air quality index value of 100 for fine particles which could affect people with respiratory illnesses and sensitivities. Those who are susceptible should stay indoors and avoid strenuous activity.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz issued an executive order Tuesday declaring gun violence in Erie County a public health crisis. According to data from the Erie County Crime Analysis Center shows that homicides in the county have increased the past four years. So far in 2021 the number of homicides has reached the total number in 2017 and 44 of them have involved a firearm. Erie County leads the state in firearms used in violent crimes on a per capita basis. Erie county has nearly twice the state average of violent crimes.
A home in Lackawanna exploded Early this morning, leveling the house and damaging 7 other homes and multiple vehicles. Firefighters arrived after a report of something burning in the road and a loss of power in the area about 7:20am to Bedford Street in Lackawanna to find what volunteer firefighter Michael Salamone described as a “war zone.” According to Salamone he opened his blinds and that’s when the flash/explosion went, he said it blinded him for several minutes. He then saw a huge fireball and flames in the middle where the basement would be. 1 person is dead but the cause of the explosion is unknown and few details have been released.
