Shortly before the blast our secretary called in, and she was taking the day off.

At the trade center, occupancy is higher than before the blast.

Another witness, who did not give her name, said she was walking down the street just before the blast.

About three million gallons had been transferred before the blast.

In this work, if they were not lifted back up before the blast, serious injury or death would result.

They had covered most of the distance to open space before the blast.

The report particularly noted one he made at 12:47 that day, nine minutes before the blast.

I seem to remember being worried about you right before the big blast.

An Arab was seen leaving the store just before the blast.

He would have ten seconds to get out before the blast.