3 Dead, 39 Homes Damaged After Evansville Explosion

EVANSVILLE, IN — Three people are dead and more have been displaced after an explosion Wednesday in Evansville, according to reports.

The incident occurred about 1 p.m. in the 1000 block of North Weinbach Avenue, Evansville Fire Chief Mike Connelly said in a press conference streamed by 14 NEWS, leaving 39 homes with damage ranging from minor to severe.

Photos on social media show widespread destruction, with at least one structure completely leveled, and boards and other debris strewn across the area.

In addition to the three who were killed, one person was hospitalized, according to the Courier & Press, which reported a house also exploded in the same neighborhood in 2017, killing two people.

Utility company CenterPoint Energy last visited the home where Wednesday’s explosion occurred in January 2018, Connelly said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was called to the scene, according to Connelly, and an arson investigation was underway. The Red Cross was on the ground to assist the many expected to be displaced, he said.