White County Fire Chief Norman Alexander watches as firefighters extinguish the fire. (PHOTO/wrwh.com)
(Cleveland)- One person has been confirmed killed when a home in White County exploded. At a news conference this afternoon White County Public Safety Director David Murphy told reporters, “we have one fatality inside the home, we are not releasing any names of who that person is pending further notification and positive identification. “
White County Corner Ricky Barrett said the body will be taken to the state crime laboratory for positive identification. According to Murphy the victim is a 70 year old male who was a relative of the homeowners, who were in California at the time.
State and local fire investigators along with an Investigator with the White County Sheriff’s Department are still trying to determine what caused the explosion that was reported at 10:48 AM Friday morning. The explosion was at t 64 Rhododendron Lane, Sautee Nacoochee, off Glenns Drive, which is located in the Mt. Yonah Scenic Estates.
Murphy said they had multiple calls from residents in the area reporting the explosion. The massive explosion could be felt and heard for miles. It also blew the tops off of several trees around the home. At least seven other homes in the Mount Yonah Scenic Estates neighborhood were damaged.
The Georgia Forestry Service plowed a fire break around the area.
Several units from White County fire stations along with the Helen Fire Department responded.
Murphy said one home owner had requested assistance from the American Red Cross for a place to stay, because of the damage to their home.
Public Safety Director Murphy said the gas company delivered gas at the residence on Tuesday and they believe there was a slow leak. He told reporters Friday afternoon that “ It appears a propane leak inside the residence caused the explosion.”
White County Sheriff Neal Walden said, “The foundation is there, and the rest of it is just strewn up through the woods and into the trees. ”
Investigators and fire personnel remained on scene into the evening hours investigating and putting out hot spot fires. The explosion caused several small fires in a four acre area around the house.
