Dozens of homes were damaged or destroyed in Indianapolis on Saturday, November 10, 2012. Two homes were leveled in the blast that killed two people, but has rendered homes for blocks uninhabitable. While it is not clear what caused the explosion that rocked the neighborhood at 11 PM on Saturday, these types of explosions are often linked to gas releases. Our firm has seen these types of blasts occur in neighborhoods on numerous occasions, and lives are often significantly affected.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom that blew out windows blocks away. It is estimated that as many as 31 homes were damaged so badly they may have to be demolished. At least another 50 homes sustained damages. Residents were allowed to return to their homes on Sunday to retrieve belongings and survey the damage, but they were not allowed to stay.
Immediately after the blast, houses were reported to be on fire and home videos were taken. Firefighters and first responders were on the scene fairly quickly, but the magnitude of the blast had already affected so many people. There was little they could do other than contain the fire. There were, however, efforts made to search some of the houses to rescue survivors. It is reported that seven people were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Those in the neighborhood who survived the blast were taken to a nearby school. The neighborhood was littered with debris including splintered beams and boards, parts of rooms, and other rubble covering the street. Investigative are still trying to determine the cause of the blast as of Monday, November 12, 2012.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a gas explosion, contact the attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.