CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A family in Oakleaf Plantation is recovering and trying to regroup after an apparent gas explosion sent two adults and two children to the hospital Monday night.
According to Clay County Fire Rescue, the explosion happened on Sycamore Way, which is about 3 miles south of Argyle Forest Boulevard.
Brandon Kimbrel, the homeowner’s son, told News4JAX that his family members have injuries that are not life-threatening, and they should make a full recovery.
“Thank God they made it out, because that is my mom, my grandma, my niece, and my cousin. It’s just kind of a scary situation, seeing and hearing everything that went on,” Kimbrel said. “Everyone just walked out with a few burns and a few scratches, so that’s all that matters.
He credited the family’s neighbors with rescuing his loved ones.
“If it wasn’t for the neighbors around, it probably could have been worse. We have neighbors that care and actually came and broke the door down,” Kimbrel said.
Kimbrel said the family had celebrated Easter together in the home on Sunday, just a day before everything changed.
“Good Easter vibes with the family, so that’s pretty much why everyone is shaken up, because you go from having a good time, family time to the next day something like this, so it’s unexplainable,” Kimbrel said.
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CCFR said the official cause remains under investigation.
Kimbrel said his mother called him when the explosion happened and told him there was a gas leak, and she believes it was because of the washer and dryer.
Pictures of the house shared by CCFR show significant damage to the garage and outside walls, which can be seen leaning outward.
The agency said the State Fire Marshal is investigating.
A GoFundMe for the family can be found here.
