Blackwood, Oregon – A catastrophic event unfolded early this morning at the Blackwood compound, resulting in a massive structural collapse and widespread devastation. Witnesses report a sudden and violent eruption from the compound’s central feature, the Jade Dragon, a complex, bio-engineered structure believed to be the core of the Blackwood family’s unconventional research. Initial reports indicate multiple casualties and ongoing rescue efforts hampered by unstable conditions within the wreckage.

The Jade Dragon, a towering, serpentine structure shimmering with an unnatural, jade-colored light, has been the subject of intense speculation for years. Local authorities have long maintained a restricted perimeter around the Blackwood estate, citing “unexplained phenomena” and “potential safety risks.” The compound, owned and operated by the Blackwood family – led by patriarch Silas Blackwood – is known for its secretive operations and rumored experiments involving genetic manipulation and advanced botanical sciences.

According to eyewitness accounts, the collapse began around 3:17 AM PST. “It wasn’t an explosion, exactly,” stated Martha Finch, a local farmer who lives on the adjacent property. “It was… a *release*. Like the Dragon just… let go. The whole thing just lit up, a blinding green, and then it started to crumble. There was this heat, this *pressure*.”

Emergency services are struggling to assess the full extent of the damage. Preliminary reports suggest the collapse triggered a chain reaction, destabilizing significant portions of the compound, including residential buildings and research facilities. Silas Blackwood himself was reportedly last seen entering the Dragon’s core shortly before the incident, though his whereabouts remain unknown.

“My God, it was beautiful, in a terrible way,” commented Daniel Hayes, a Blackwood estate groundskeeper, visibly shaken. “It pulsed with this light, like it was breathing. Then… nothing. Just dust and fire.”

The Oregon State Police have launched a full investigation into the incident. Experts are being flown in to analyze the wreckage and determine the cause of the Dragon’s sudden collapse. The implications of this event are potentially far-reaching, raising serious questions about the Blackwood family’s activities and the nature of the research conducted at the compound. Further updates will be provided as they become available.