Small businesses suffering losses after gas blast find support from City of Durham

In all, more than two dozen people were hurt and more than a dozen buildings damaged when a cut gas line sparked an explosion last Wednesday in Durham's warehouse district.

"We did have the bus that has shown up in quite a few pictures. It was right on site there, and that is heavily damaged," McMorrow said. A Carolina Livery van is visible just across the street from the epicenter of the blast, at 115 N. Duke St.

"We got a call pretty much right when it happened, because our driver was right there," McMorrow said.

That driver and a single passenger suffered minor injuries. The driver was treated and released in the same day, she said.

"Luckily, our driver was able to be in contact with us by text the whole time, so even though we couldn’t reach him, we knew he was alive," she said.

As soon as they knew their people were accounted for, Carolina Livery turned to thoughts of getting back to business.

"We wanted to check in and see what was available in terms of emergency management services, just trying to see our best channels for trying to recover the lost fleet, especially at a busy time of the year for us," McMorrow said.

Her small, family-owned business was among the many Monday seeking advice at the Chesterfield Building, where NCWorks Career Center staff are posted up from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday to offer advice and aid to business owners and employees affected by the blast.

"We’re really excited to help get our businesses back on their feet. Brightleaf district is an important part of the city’s economic development, and we really want to make sure that those businesses get a fresh start," said Brian Smith, senior economic development coordinator for the city's Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

Services include career development and counseling, specialized employment services, re-employment services; unemployment insurance benefits guidance, training programs, hiring and recruitment and resume assistance. Help is also available by phone: Call (919) 536-7241, extension 4502.

"I think the community of Durham has been really amazing overall," McMorrow said.

She said someone had started a GoFundMe account to raise money to help the Carolina Livery driver with medical expenses.