Abandoned house explodes, 2 more damaged

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - An abandoned house in Muskegon exploded Sunday morning, damaging two other abandoned houses on either side.

The explosion happened in the 1600 block of Elwood Street around 9 a.m. The landlord told authorities that the house had been secured and vacant as of Saturday.

The explosion woke many area residents.

"The neighbor lady was trying to explain to 911 what was going on: 'The house blew up?' 'Yeah. the house blew up!'" recalled neighbor Ed Northrup.

The house was leveled.

"I heard a big boom and I've never heard a boom like that before," said neighbor Maisha Jackson. "I came outside. My front door was wide open and I look up and see that the house across the street was completely gone."

Other abandoned residences on both sides were damaged. One had its windows blown out and the other lost its roof.

Flying debris also damaged some nearby vehicles, according to the Muskegon Fire Department.

Neighbors told 24 Hour News 8 the explosion could be felt blocks away.

"I live on the corner of Dale and Superior, about a block and a half away from right here, and it shook my whole house. I thought somebody drove into the front of my house," said Northrup.

There are no known injuries, but crews on the scene sifted through debris to ensure there was no one in the house when it exploded.

"Arrived to a small fire. We were able to extinguish that and search the surrounding houses," said Muskegon Fire Department Battalion Chief Gordon Cole. "No victims so far have been located, but we're still in the process of searching the house that has been demolished."

The cause of the explosion is still unknown. An investigation is underway and authorities hope to know the cause within the next several days.

A gas leak has not been ruled out.

Energy crews scoured the debris field, using equipment to test for a potential gas leak. Large construction equipment was brought in to bulldoze the site.

Residents watched intently, speculating as they waited for results.

"I'm really worried if it was like a meth or a crack house and how many more houses around here have stuff like that going on," said Northrup.

"I'm concerned if it was a gas explosion, is it safe to use my gas? Or is there anything else going on over there?" Jackson said.

Anyone who observes suspicious activity or smells natural gas is asked to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information on the explosion is asked to contact the Muskegon Police Department at 231.724.6750 or Silent Observer at 231.722.7163.