Watch Raw Video 1
Watch Raw Video 2
A cigarette that was thrown into a bucket started a huge fire Wednesday afternoon that destroyed a 40-year-old business in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, News 8 has learned.
The bucket where the fire started was at the back of the ABC East Lanes bowling alley along Eisenhower Boulevard. News 8 has also learned that an employee was the person who threw the cigarette into the bucket. The employee has not been named.
Employees, Bowlers Flee Burning Building
There were five people inside the bowling alley Wednesday when some of noticed a yellow smoke pouring out from the area behind the pins.
Employee Gary Weidner said he spotted flames.
"It didn't appear at first to be as bad as it was. When I saw the black smoke rolling, I knew what it was. So, I had to get the salesman out. Then out the door I'm going," he said.
Weidner said he called 911 and then made sure the four people in the building got out safely.
Weidner was treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation. He is expected to be OK.
Crews tore down the remains of the building Wednesday night. The owners have insurance and plan to rebuild.
