(CNN)Home explosion in Evansville, Indiana kills three and damages at least 39 homes Evansville was deemed accidental, Fire Chief Michael Connelly said Thursday afternoon.
"There are multiple agencies conducting part of the investigation, including alcohol, tobacco, firearms, the Indiana Fire Marshal's Office, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, and the Evansville Fire Department. A deliberate ignition source has been ruled out based on the Bureau of Investigation," Connelly said. 15 families remain displaced.
Three people died, and at least one of him was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The three of those who died were identified as Charles Haidt, 43, Martina Haidt, 37, and Jessica Teague, 29, according to the Vanderborough County Coroner. . The cause and manner of their deaths are still pending autopsy, said Chief Deputy Coroner David Anson.
} The Evansville explosion on Wednesday killed Charles and Martina Haidt, family members told CNN.
Charles and Martina Haidt, a husband and wife, have been identified as two of his victims in the blast, his family told CNN. Martina's cousin, Tina Louise Hassenaar, said the couple were at their home when the explosion occurred.[38][39] According to Hasenor, Charles and Martina had been married for about three years.
"Her husband was a really nice person. They definitely loved each other. We're going to be together," he said, Hasenor.
Hasenor described her cousin as "a great man with a heart of gold" and said she would miss them both.
An initial survey showed 39 homes suffered "severe to light damage," he added. Eleven homes have become uninhabitable, he said, adding that the American Red Cross will help affected families. With a population of about 116,000, Evansville is about a three-hour drive southwest of Indianapolis.
''I've seen pictures posted online, but when I actually walked up to the house and saw the devastation with my own eyes, it was, I mean, a punch in the gut. '' he said Winnecke. he said on wednesday.
"Across the street where the explosion happened, you'll see house after house with blown windows. You'll see the insulation blown out of the houses," he added. .
A structural collapse team was summoned to inspect the building and ensure all gas and electric circuits were intact, the chief said Wednesday. At least eight agencies responded, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and state fire departments.
"They will resume the investigation in the morning," the chief said Wednesday evening. "This is standard operating procedure for this type of incident at this scale." }
Search and rescue teams will be allowed to return to the area once utilities have been secured and the ATF has determined part of the investigation is complete, Connelly said.
Authorities asked residents to stay away from the area.
