Deadly explosion destroys homes in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS – A thunderous, late-night explosion destroyed at least two homes in Indianapolis and set surrounding homes ablaze, killing one person and causing several injuries, authorities said today.

Fire officials told WISH-TV that one death has been confirmed but they did not immediately identify the victim or the circumstances behind the fatality. The powerful blast also knocked garage doors off their hinges, shattered windows and caved in walls in homes in the surrounding neighborhood on the south side of the city, forcing many to evacuate in pajamas.

The cause of the explosion and fires wasn’t clear, but Indianapolis Mayor Greg …

INDIANAPOLIS – A thunderous, late-night explosion destroyed at least two homes in Indianapolis and set surrounding homes ablaze, killing one person and causing several injuries, authorities said today.

Fire officials told WISH-TV that one death has been confirmed but they did not immediately identify the victim or the circumstances behind the fatality. The powerful blast also knocked garage doors off their hinges, shattered windows and caved in walls in homes in the surrounding neighborhood on the south side of the city, forcing many to evacuate in pajamas.

The cause of the explosion and fires wasn’t clear, but Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard dismissed speculation of a possible plane crash soon after he arrived on the scene and described a scene of devastation that went on “for blocks on end.” Fire officials said separately that investigators would be checking whether natural gas was possibly involved, cautioning that the investigation was only in the preliminary stages.

Ballard said at least two homes were destroyed, and authorities said several homes were set on fire in the powerful explosion reported shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday and heard for miles all around the area of tightly clustered homes.