WOOD RIVER — A house explosion destroyed two homes and heavily damage four others in Wood River on Saturday, March 2.
A 911 call about the explosion was received at 9:17 am March 4. Fire Departments that responded were from Wood River, Cairo, Alda, and Grand Island Rural Fire Department.
Concerning the cause of the explosion, “It is still under investigation,” Jon Rosenlund, Grand Island/Hall County Director of Emergency Management said.
“We have assessed more than 25 homes,” he said. Two homes were destroyed. Four other homes had major damage.
“No one was transported by ambulance,” Rosenlund said.
At the United Methodist Church, a brick building across the street from 107 11th St., debris such as insulation could be found on the front and back sides of the church.
James L. DeBraal, 1102 East St., was at home standing in front of a large window when the explosion occurred. His home is across the street from the explosion site.
“I was in front of the window,” he said. “The glass blew out of my windows.”
Glass from the window in front of him was blown 7 feet into his living room.
He lost.10 windows at his house.
“You don’t hear the explosion as much as you feel it,” he said. “I thanked God I was still alive.”
After the explosion, a fire started, he said.
American Red Cross workers were at the Wood River Fire Station to assist people affected by the explosion.
