VIDEO - One of the firefighters injured in Wednesday's devastating explosion in Greenwood called the situation "surreal."
Lt. Ed Newell is one of the nine firefighters who suffered minor injuries in the blast. The 33-year veteran firefighter is a little bruised but in good spirits, which is remarkable considering how much damage was done.
"From my standpoint I think the Lord was looking out for us. I really feel that whole heartedly," Newell said.
Newell was one of the first firefighters on scene early Wednesday morning who responded to a gas leak in Greenwood. He was standing near a tree when the building exploded.
"I heard a deep resonant 'woof,' like a sucking sound, and then a deep resonant kind of 'boom' and then I turned away," he said.
The blast was so strong it sent debris everywhere and came crashing down on the firefighters.
"It's always very surreal when you're at these type of circumstances," Newell said. "I was covering up my head, my helmet flew up, and then I turned around and picked up and put on helmet and went over to battalion chief."