South Jordan, Utah — A tranquil neighborhood in South Jordan was disrupted Wednesday afternoon by a massive explosion that leveled a residence and left one person unaccounted for, prompting a large-scale response from local emergency services.
Responding to the incident around 3 p.m., crews from the South Jordan Fire Department and police hurried to a severely damaged home located at 10593 S. 3210 W. The explosion sent smoke and debris into the air, visible from miles away, and triggered evacuations of nearby homes due to concerns about safety and structural damage.
Local resident Brett Jenson, who lives a short distance from the affected site, described the moment of the explosion as a loud boom that shook his entire house. “It happened so quickly and loudly; at first, I thought it might have been an earthquake or something had struck my house,” Jenson shared. He immediately went outside to investigate and was met with a scene resembling a snowy day, although what was falling was actually insulation from the exploded structure.
According to Deputy Chief Ryan Lessner of the South Jordan Fire Department, the explosion inflicted significant damage, obliterating most of the structure. In the chaos, officials reported that a family member was missing, and efforts were ongoing to determine their whereabouts, in cooperation with local law enforcement and the family.
“The reality of dealing with such significant damage and a missing loved one is a severe challenge for the family and all involved responders,” Lessner commented at the scene.
The force of the blast also affected neighboring properties. Although the damage to these buildings was described as minor, residents were promptly evacuated as a precaution. It remained unclear when it would be safe for them to return.
For those living nearby, like Jenson, the event was shocking and distressing. “Someone I know has their parents living in that house. It’s a terrible thing to happen to any family,” Jenson added, his voice tinged with concern for his neighbors.
By Wednesday evening around 7 p.m., firefighters had managed to extinguish the fires resulting from the explosion. However, the cause of the explosion was still unknown. Deputy Chief Lessner noted that the investigation would likely extend into the night, with support from state and federal agencies, including fire investigators and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The community remained tense as investigators continued to sift through the rubble, seeking clues to what had triggered such a devastating event. Meanwhile, expressions of support and concern for the affected family poured in from throughout the South Jordan community, a reminder of the tragedy’s extensive impact.