Our Past Is Present October 10, 2018

October 10, 2018

            You are reading to “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about the demolition of the Sunset Motel in Grandview Plaza in 2002. 

            This story was taken from an article written in the “Junction City Union” newspaper, August 27, 2002 and was written by Gail Parsons, who then was a “Daily Union” staff writer.

She wrote that” The demolition process of the Sunset Motel had begun.  It was the scene of two explosions on Sunday. However there was a discovery of asbestos throughout the building which was going to hamper further work. 

            Grandview Plaza City Superintendent, Jerome Thomas said demolition began early that morning, but was halted by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment until approval was received from KDHE for asbestos control.

            Sharon Watson, KDHE Public Information Officer, stated that samples were taken from the site on Monday for testing.  Although the test results have not come in, the results became irrelevant as panels were discovered in the front and back of the building that were clearly labeled “asbestos containing”.

            Geary County Assistant Fire Chief Garry Berges said there were two contributing factors to the blast heard on Sunday.  There was a propane leak in the basement and the gas was detonated as a result of a knife switch in an electrical panel box not being fully opened or full closed, thus allowing an electrical arc to originate and ignite the gas vapors.  Berges said a knife switch is what is found on old breaker boxes. 

            Hotel owners Lalji “Lee” and Kokila Patel were both serious injured in the blast and were listed in serious condition at Via Christi Regional Medical Center in Wichita.  Lee Patel was reported to have been blown out of the plate glass window of the front office of the hotel.  He also suffered burns over 60% of his body. Kokila received burns over 40% of her body, but was able to alert the couple’s 14 year old son, Ravi Patel, a freshman at Junction City High School.  He was able to escape without injury.”

            And… that’s today’s story on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.