Home Albemarle County: Keswick home leveled in explosion, one dead, 12 homes damaged
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Albemarle County: Keswick home leveled in explosion, one dead, 12 homes damaged

Crystal Graham
keswick explosion albemarle county 091925
Image courtesy Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue

An Albemarle County home exploded Tuesday evening and was completely leveled to the ground, killing one person, according to the Department of Fire Rescue.

The cause of the explosion, in the 2300 block of Ferndown Lane in Keswick, is not known. Fire crews have determined there is no active gas leak at this time.

One adult female was located deceased at the scene; her name has not been released. One adult male was transported to UVA Health in serious condition. No other injuries have been reported.

The homeowners where the explosion originated were not present at the time.

Twelve neighboring homes also sustained varying levels of property damage from the impact and debris, and those occupants have been displaced.

According to the Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue, multiple reports of an explosion were reported at approximately 6 p.m. The first units arrived on the scene approximately four minutes later to discover the debris field.

Displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

A large fire rescue presence will remain while crews continue their investigation.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]