Norwood Residents Escape Unharmed from Gas Explosion in Home

Four Norwood residents escaped unharmed after a gas explosion at a home on Lane Dr. early Wednesday evening, the Norwood Fire Department said Thursday.

"The Norwood Fire Department received a call at 5:19 from a neighbor of 109 Lane Drive for a possible explosion," NFD spokesman George Morrice said in a statement. "Firefighters arrived to find four residents on the front lawn of the home walking around, unhurt."

Firefighters entered the home to find a leaking 20 lb. propane cylinder. Captain Mark Boyland of the NFD stated he believes the leaking propane cylinder was ignited by a working gas fireplace insert on the lower level of the home, causing the explosion.

The bottom left windows, frames and the soffits beneath the first floor overhang were blown outward from the explosion. Upon further inspection the rear kitchen sliding glass door and a section of exterior wall by the fireplace were also blown outward from the force of the explosion, Boyland said.

"Though the residents were in the home at the time of the explosion they were unharmed," Morrice's statement reads.

Firefighters removed the tank from the home and the leak stopped. Electrical and gas service was shut off at the street and the building, plumbing and electrical inspectors were called to evaluate the damage done to the home. Fire Investigator Billy Tuner was called to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the explosion.

Fire department crews cleared the scene at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday.