Nathan arrived on the scene around eleven p.m., roughly four hours after the blast had occurred. He found the fire chief, introduced himself, and was quickly brought up to speed.
“It looks like something maybe started in the lower levels but spread up and out quickly to the upper floors as well,” the fire chief explained. “The force and fire combined weakened the structure, so what didn’t explode collapsed under its own weight right as we got here. All six above-ground levels came down.”
He stopped, mopped his face. “I’ve never seen anything like this, man. Ever.”
Nathan’s mouth set in a grim line. His jaw tightened, and he was silent for a moment.
“Chief. I know it’s early yet, but any idea at all how many people might have been inside when this thing blew?”
“Hundreds, Agent Thomas,”
