UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Union County Fire Marshal’s Office has released the cause of a home explosion that occurred in Weddington last week.
Investigators said the explosion that happened on Sunday, Nov. 17, at a home along Steeplechase Circle was determined to be a ‘fuel-air explosion,’ accidental in nature.
A fuel-air explosion is a type of explosive that mixes fuel with oxygen in the air to create a massive blast, the Fire Marshal’s Office explained.
The investigation revealed that the explosion originated in the garage. Three potential sources of ignition have been identified, but the exact source remains undetermined, investigators said.
An elderly man, reportedly in his 80s, who was seriously injured in the explosion, has been released from the hospital and is continuing to recover, authorities said on Monday. A second person who sustained minor injuries in the blast continues to recover at this time.
“We extend our gratitude to the numerous agencies that collaborated with us throughout this investigation,” said Jon Williams, Union County Fire Marshal, in a released statement on Monday. “From first responders to specialized investigators, the teamwork displayed underscores our collective commitment to ensuring public safety.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office said residents should inspect and maintain equipment and appliances according to user manuals, especially in garages where flammable materials are often stored.
