Propane leak believed to be cause of house explosion in Bellevue; 3 suffer severe burns
Fire officials said a propane leak caused an explosion in a duplex in Bellevue late Thursday night. The blast shook homes throughout the neighborhood and sent three people to hospitals with serious injuries.
At 10:34 p.m., firefighters responded to the explosion at 4906 Robin Drive, which is about one block west of Bryan High School.
The three people suffered severe burns, said Frank Guido, a battalion chief with Bellevue Fire and Rescue. Medics took two people to the Nebraska Medical Center and one person to the Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha for treatment, said Bellevue Fire spokesperson Jack Syphers.
Citing an investigation report from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Guido said it appeared people were using a propane-fueled cooktop before the explosion. At the time of the blast, according to the report, a burner was on and and a propane cylinder valve was open. A grill, lighter and cellphone were found in the area.
The explosion blew out the duplex's west wall and garage. Windows and doors were separated from their frames. Clothing and insulation could be seen late Thursday morning strewn on the home's driveway and beyond.
"It is our assessment the explosion is a result of uncontained propane vapors being ignited," Guido read from the Fire Marshal's report. "At this point, we do not have any evidence to suspect the natural gas system was involved."
Felisa Lewis, a 57-year-old woman who lived in the east side of the duplex, was at work at the time of the explosion but her 39-year-old daughter and 15-year-old grandson were home at the time of the blast. They were uninjured but Lewis said some family possessions were destroyed. Lewis said she was thankful her grandson had not been in his room at the time of the explosion.
"If he had been in his room at the time, he may not have had a birthday in three weeks," Lewis said.
Bellevue fire officials declined to release identifying information about the victims, citing patient privacy.
A neighbor who lives across the street from the duplex said the explosion created a loud bang and caused her house to shake. Another neighbor who lives a block away also said her house shook.
The Papillion Fire and Omaha Fire Departments assisted Bellevue Fire and Rescue crews at the scene. Guido said the Bellevue Police Department, Metropolitan Utilities District, Omaha Public Power District and American Red Cross were also at the scene.
"This isn't an occurrence that happens every day," Guido said as he praised the actions of the first responders.
Officials from the duplex's property management company, M3 Management, could be seen late Thursday morning assisting residents and assessing the damage.
In a statement, company officials offered "heartfelt thoughts and prayers" to the affected families and said the company is working with displaced residents and local support organizations to "ensure our residents are cared for in every way we can."
"We are also actively working with the fire marshal and relevant authorities to assess the structure of the building and to ensure a thorough review of the incident," the company said. "The safety and well-being of our residents and the entire community remain our utmost priority."
