RTPD Press Release

August 18, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

CASE#: 19RT00727

RANK / FULL NAME: Chief Ed Dumas II

CONTACT#: 802-772-4327

DATE/TIME: September 30th, 2019

INCIDENT LOCATION: 476 Holiday Drive Rutland Town Vermont 05701

VIOLATION: Recklessly Endangering Another Person

ACCUSED: Udayan Dholakia

AGE: 52 Years Old

STATE OF RESIDENCE: Mendon, VT

SUMMARY OF INCIDENT:

On 09/30/2019, the Rutland Town Fire Department responded to the Holiday Inn after State Dispatch received phone calls from guests at the Holiday Inn for a strong odor of gas.  A Captain of the Rutland Town Fire Department was first on scene and made the determination that the odor needed to be investigated further.

When other members of the Rutland Town Fire Department arrived with town Fire apparatus a check of the boiler room was conducted, and the gas meter indicated a high level of propane gas in this location.  The captain ordered the other three firemen out of the boiler room and secured the door.

Upon shutting the door there was an explosion that engulfed the fireman and caused this section of the building to be damaged.  Based on an extensive investigation by the Rutland Town Health Officer it was determined that there was not only Gas Code violations that led to Health Code violations but showed a lack of concern for the safety of not only the guests at the Holiday Inn but for the safety of Rutland Towns Fireman.  The level of disregard by the general manager Mr. Udayan Dholakia was such that there was probable cause to bring a criminal charge of Recklessly Endangering Another Person under Vermont State Statutes.

COURT ACTION: Citation

COURT DATE/TIME:  08/30/2021 11:00

COURT: N/A