Hebron, IN — An explosion that ripped through a suburban home in Hebron on Friday evening has left three men with serious injuries, authorities reported. The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. in a residence situated in the 4200 block of East 181st Avenue.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the blast took place while the trio was cleaning out the house. The force of the explosion not only destroyed the home but also ignited a fire that spread to adjacent farm fields, challenging firefighting efforts.
Officials have confirmed that two of the injured men, aged 49 and 39, are currently receiving medical treatment for severe burns. The third victim, a 64-year-old man, sustained different injuries from the explosion and is also under hospital care.
“The scene was hectic, with flames engulfing the house completely and then advancing to the nearby fields,” said a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s office, emphasizing the rapid response from several local fire departments who worked to control and eventually extinguish the blaze.
In the wake of the explosion, specialists including the Indiana State Fire Marshal, the Porter County Bomb Squad, and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, were summoned to the scene to investigate the cause of the blast. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the details but confirmed that an investigation is currently underway.
The incident not only highlighted immediate concerns over residential safety but also raised questions about the handling and storage of potentially hazardous materials, especially in residential areas. Local officials are considering reviewing regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the investigation continues, the community around East 181st Avenue remains in shock. Neighbors described the sudden eruption of fire and smoke as a terrifying sight, reflecting on the peace of their usually quiet area being shattered.
“We heard the explosion and thought something had hit the house,” one neighbor recounted. “It was only when we saw the fire that we realized it was something much worse.”
For now, authorities are keeping further details close to their vests as they dissect the events leading up to the tragedy. The health status of the three injured men is being closely monitored, with hopes for their recovery being expressed from various community members and leaders.
This explosion serves as a somber reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can lurk in mundane tasks, and the importance of stringent safety measures in all environments, particularly when dealing with flammable substances.