New details are emerging regarding the Albemarle County home explosion that occurred on Tuesday in the Glenmore neighborhood in Keswick.
Albemarle County Fire Rescue is investigating the cause of the fire which it believes may be related to gas appliances and/or distribution systems.
An adult female who was checking on the home was found deceased by search teams at the scene just after 6 p.m. yesterday. An adult male that she contacted to assist her in locating the source of a suspected gas smell was transported to UVA Health in serious condition. He has since been transferred to the VCU Burn Center for further treatment of his injuries.
The names of the victims have not been released. ACFR said the female who died lived in the Glenmore neighborhood.
ICYMI
The home that was reduced to rubble was a two-story structure with a basement in the 2300 block of Ferndown Lane, according to ACFR. The owners of the home were not present at the time of the explosion. Drone images posted online showed a pile of brick and debris where the home once stood.
Home values in the subdivision are estimated between $1.1 million and $1.2 million.
Twelve additional homes were evacuated following the explosion due to varying levels of damage from the impact and debris. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced occupants with temporary housing.
Crews are continuing to assess property damage, work with the affected neighbors and continue debris clean-up for the total affected area.
“We know this is a difficult time for the Glenmore community, and we will stand with them every step of the way,” said Dan Eggleston, Albemarle County Fire Rescue chief. “Our priority moving forward is twofold: first, to ensure the safety and stability of the affected homes, and second, to help this neighborhood begin the process of recovery.”
The Albemarle County Police Department, Virginia State Police, American Red Cross and Virginia Department of Emergency Management assisted in the incident.
Albemarle County’s Fire Marshal’s office is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF, to complete a thorough investigation.
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Crystal Graham
