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Victim Who Survived Gas Explosion Shares Story

by KREX News Room
by Danielle Kreutter

Story Created: Mar 20, 2013 at 10:42 PM MDT

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2013 at 10:42 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - One victim of the gas explosion says it was like something out of a war movie.

"Just boom! I'm hitting the ground, there's flames everywhere, people were screaming," said Kolby Gimmeson.

Gimmeson was inside the home all day, watching movies with another roommate and a friend before they started smelling a strong onion scent.

He says it was less than 15 minutes before the home exploded.

"I can tell that some [fire] came through by the side of the door and that's where the flame came and then it hit the sewage and came from up and so we hit the ceiling and I was conscious the entire time. I was in my chair, I hit the ceiling, hit the ground, I got a bruise on the side of my hip and the whole wall was just gone," said Gimmeson.

Gimmeson describes what happened next as a "fight or flight" instinct, he picked himself up and ran down the street.

At the same time, Gimmeson's roommate was rushing home after hearing the news.

"I couldn't find these guys, I couldn't get a hold of them. It's pretty scary, my friends are there y'know, I could care less about the house," said Jordan Pierson who lost his home in the explosion.

They were reunited at the hospital where Gimmeson was released on Wednesday with third degree burns over most of his face, and skin completely burnt off of one of his arms.

In spite of everything, both Gimmeson and Pierson are doing what they can to remain positive.

"I'm so lucky to be alive, I've very very surprised myself that I was in the middle of the house when it exploded," said Gimmeson.

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Dillard Jenkins said on Thursday, Mar 21 at 12:23 PM

"I could care less about the house" are the words of a man who is happy to be alive and is very concerned about his friends. I wish you and friends the best Kolby. Natural gas is odourless, the smell in gas is man-made, and added during the gas manufacturing/refining process so as to be able to detect it (i.e. smell). The chemical is Mercaptan. I wonder if all natural gas customers know that smell and the best emergency procedure to follow when they first smell it.

Heather Pierson said on Wednesday, Mar 20 at 11:50 PM

I for one, Am Very Thankful and Feel VERY Blessed that All of these boys survived and that even with the burns - They Will All Be Ok! Kolby, Roberto, The other roommate, The Boys Next Door and my Son, Jordan - Theyre All Alive and I Thank God!

Anonymous said on Wednesday, Mar 20 at 11:20 PM

Must have been scary! Glad you're ok.

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