CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A woman who was inside a home at the time of an explosion in Clay County Monday night said she had turned on a dryer in the garage and complained of a “possible” gas smell before the incident, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
The 84-year-old woman was one of four people, two adults and two children, who were inside the Oakleaf Plantation home at the time of the explosion and who had to be transported to a hospital following the incident.
According to the incident report obtained by News4JAX on Tuesday, a fire marshal said he did not observe anything suspicious during the initial investigation and advised that the explosion was likely caused by a natural gas leak.
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 being around, it probably could have been worse. We have neighbors that care and actually came and broke the door down,” Kimbrel said.
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CCFR said the official cause remains under investigation.
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.
