Home explosion in Indianapolis

[prohandyman]

Thanks to all those who sent Pms about the explosion. Our kids are ok , thank the lord they were not home, but the house has major damage. Will be determined if it has to be tore down. Insurance has put them up in a hotel, and we are working out details of day to day living needs. Cause of the massive explosion has not been determined but local and federal authorities are working on it. Lots of rumors, and a plane crash has been ruled out, but not natural gas leak or meth lab in the suspect house. Unfortunately there were 2 deaths, a lot of minor injuries, 5 homes destroyed, 28 homes un-inhabitable and probably will be tore down.

[Verna]

Dan, I wasn't aware your kids lived there. Thank God they're OK.

There's a lot of damage in that neighborhood. I'm 2.5 to 3 miles away and I thought something had hit my house--that's how strong the explosion was.

Thanks for checking in. Hollar if there's anything I can help with.

[GerryS]

I didnt realize that you were affected, even indirectly, Dan. I'm glad you and your family is safe.

So far the officials haven't been confidence inspiring. I don't trust the authorities on his one.

[prohandyman]

Gerry
Here is what we have been told so far...
They have ruled out a lot of possibilities, and are saying most likely natural gas. Natural gas explosions happen quite often. But rarely as powerful as this blast was. Even within the enclosed enviroment of a house they don't usually blow this hard. But...if it intentially leaked and contained over a long period of time and purposely ignited, it would most likely take out the entire residence. Unfortunately took out an entire neighborhood and an innocent couple. $3.6 mil in damages expected!
Enter the house on Fieldfare. Long history of financial troubles with the family, a short sale of the home failed earlier this year, couple divorced, one side says there was furnace trouble, one side says no, kids asked to stay elsewhere recently, both parties out of town and cat boarded when explosion happened, police treating area as a crime scene, and have interviewed family a couple of times, experts say furnace probably could not have ignited this....
Hmmm...maybe trying to throw authorities off to hide ....
I think they are purposely remaining vague so the investigation has time to uncover the truth.
IMHO
Ps. These notes are transcripts from the local news and what police have told us.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Interesting. Glad your family is OK Dan!

[TENNJIM]

Dan, glad to hear your family is OK.
Jim and Sheryl / Utah

[GerryS]

It definately smells bad....I'm just gad you and yours are safe. Being here in Indy, please don't hesitate to ask if you need help. Cleanup of things like this is always ugly.

[oicu812]

WoW, glad your family is safe. I grew up in that area. Whatever it is will come out, those arson guys are good, hope it wasn't intentional but don't look good.

[prohandyman]

Breaking News...the disaster site has now been declared a homicide criminal investigation, focussing on the home owners boy-friend.

[Verna]

WOW, Dan!!! It sure didn't occur to me that this was anything but a gas explosion....until I read your post. I heard rumors today about it bring intentionally set and it's just so unbelievable someone would cause such destruction.

Thanks for the update. I got home late and barely caught the news conference.

And, the offer still stands for help or use of tools, wheel barrows, etc. if you need them while you're helping the kids. I live closer to your kids than you having to drive back home.

[prohandyman]

Verna
Thanks
But the insurance co won't let me/us do any work. Has to be done by a insured and bonded contractor.
By the way, I initially stated that the kids home may have to be tore down...probably not the case. A couple of walls will have to be replaced, the garage door and the back door, alot of drywall replaced. It is braced and actually livable right now.
Also ever since the investigation started I think the authorities have been expecting to find it intentional because of the nature of the blast. Too big, too directional, too destructive for an accident, and one news source leaked that they have found a critical piece of evidence that somehow initiated the blast. Something not common to a residential home.

[Verna]

Well, Dan, your son looks just like you. Yes, he was interviewed on Channel 8.

Still a tragedy.....I hope they find those responsible for the explosion.

I just heard the term "explosives" for the first time.

[prohandyman]

Well Well Well...just as we suspected. The home owner, her boyfriend, and his brother have been arrested and charged with murder and arson. News conference today explained the charges, alot of details on how they disconnected the fireplace gas line, used a microwave to ignite the fuel, how they actually tried to blow the house up the preceding weekend, how they were witnessed removing items from the home they didn't want to lose, how they increased the insurance on the house, etc.,etc. They are possibly looking at the death penalty!! Sad that a couple had to lose their life from someone trying burn their house down and collect insurance.

[Verna]

Dan, sad indeed that the young couple next door lost their lives, and that so many houses were damaged.

I hope the trial is scheduled soon so that everyone can get on with their lives.