COLUMBUS – Columbus fire officials say two people were critically injured when three houses exploded Friday morning.
UPDATE: 6/6/18 1:33 p.m.: This article has been updated to include the identity of the male victim
Before and after. The two family structure to the right is what the original house used to look like. Firefighters have determined there are no other victims from this explosion. Investigation as to the cause is on-going pic.twitter.com/h4aRLoqHHw
— Columbus OH Fire (@ColsFire) June 22, 2018
A man and a woman were taken to OSU Wexner Medical Center with burns and fractures, according to Division of Fire spokeswoman Rebecca Diehm.
The woman was identified as Vernice Hill, 36,and the man was identified as Dontaye Conner, 34, who lives on Oak Street in Columbus, Battalion Chief Steve Martin said.
Conner’s condition remained critical but stable Tuesday while Hill was listed in serious condition.
HOUSE EXPLOSION: Thank you Officer Gary Orahood & Officer Joe Burkey, @ColsFire as well as community members for your efforts rescuing a man & woman from today’s house explosion. Your compassion & hard work is appreciated. https://t.co/8e89W0mmuc pic.twitter.com/bRjGZwVG3k
— Columbus Division of Police (@ColumbusPolice) June 22, 2018
The explosion at 466 N. 20th Street was reported at 8:15 a.m. and Diehm says three structures were affected.
A witness reported hearing the blast and feeling the ground shake on I-71 about a half mile away.
The home is owned by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and was supposed to be vacant. Investigators are still trying to determine why anyone was inside.
Columbus Fire Chief Kevin O’Connor says the authority has reported having issues with people stealing scrap metal from the building.
O’Connor says the blast was likely caused by natural gas. Several nearby building also were damaged.