West Park, Florida – A devastating explosion that obliterated a home in West Park just days before Christmas has been attributed to an accidental gas leak, as per a report from the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Investigative and Forensic Services.
According to surveillance footage, the explosion occurred in the early hours of December 19th, causing a massive fireball to erupt into the air. The home located at 5206 Southwest 20th Street was left nearly flattened by the blast.
Remarkably, a family of four who were inside the house at the time managed to survive the explosion. However, neighboring homes and vehicles were also damaged by the impact, with two individuals from a neighboring property requiring hospitalization.
The investigative report highlighted the extensive devastation caused by the explosion, noting that the entire structure was catastrophically damaged with debris scattered over a block radius. Concrete blocks and beams from the home were found strewn throughout the area, reinforcing the magnitude of the blast.
Neighbors recounted smelling gas in the days leading up to the explosion, with one individual reporting a faint gas odor on December 17th. Following the incident, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue discovered a leak in a propane tank on the property.
The investigation revealed that a damaged gas line within the home likely allowed propane gas to enter and accumulate, eventually reaching explosive levels. The report indicated that potential sources of ignition such as appliances within the home could have triggered the explosion.
Despite initial speculation from investigators, it was determined that the explosion was accidental and not caused by natural gas. The homeowner had previously denied using gas, and subsequent investigations did not find any evidence of natural gas on the property.
Residents in the neighborhood expressed a desire to move past the tragic event and see the explosion site cleared, eliminating any reminders of the traumatic incident. The community remains resilient, focusing on recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of the explosion.