OTTUMWA, Iowa – The Ottumwa Fire Department sprang into action early Sunday morning in response to a gas explosion at 19 Asbury Circle. Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters were met with a one-story house engulfed in flames emanating from the side and rear of the structure. The severity of the explosion was evident as the front deck of the house was blown off, and the windows shattered. Additionally, a gas-fed fire was detected at the gas meter on the property.
Expedited assistance was requested as extra crews were called in to ensure the safety of neighboring homes and residents. Thankfully, no gas levels were detected in the surrounding vicinity. An alarming sight caught the attention of the firefighting crews as they observed gas bubbling up through the asphalt driveway, prompting immediate action.
Both MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy were brought in to address the dangerous situation. MidAmerican’s dedicated teams worked tirelessly throughout the day to pinpoint the source of the gas leak, while firefighters meticulously combed through the neighborhood searching for any potential leaks. The State Fire Marshal and MidAmerican Energy will be present at the scene on Monday to further investigate the incident and its causes.
Remarkably, a husband and wife were inside the home at the time of the explosion, further emphasizing the urgency and importance of understanding what led to the catastrophic event. The collaborative efforts of the various response teams highlight the swift and coordinated action taken in the face of a potentially life-threatening situation.