It happened on Doulton Drive around 10am
Authorities said a person called CenterPoint to report the gas leak.
About an hour later, they said the explosion occurred, lifting the house from its foundations in the air. The fire started later, leaving only a pile of remains from the house.
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HFD said the owner of the house whose house caught fire managed to get out before the explosion, and no further injuries were reported.
“It is an extremely happy scenario, where no one was hurt,” said HFD assistant chief Mike Mire. “When you have an explosion, the pressure waves usually travel and are blocked only by the adjacent houses. It is incredible that the destruction was limited to one house.”
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He also said the fire had spread to an adjacent house and a car parked nearby. The explosion shattered windows in nearby houses and caused other minor damage.
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The couple who lost their home lived in it for over 50 years. The family set up a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of damages.
Mire also said the couple is in contact with the American Red Cross for help.
CenterPoint staff also managed to get out to contain the leak. They said the leak occurred in a 2-inch pipe and had to work gradually to shut it down.
“If you smell gas, get out,” said Mire in case of future emergencies. “Don’t turn on any light switches. Don’t turn on any flashlights.”
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