Douglasville house explosion

Metro Atlanta

Douglasville house explosion

Investigators are searching a for a cause into an explosion that tore apart a Douglasville home Thursday. Residents reported a 'natural gas smell.'

Investigators are searching a for a cause into an explosion that tore apart a Douglasville home Thursday. Residents reported a 'natural gas smell.'

Atlanta Gas Light investigators will do several tests to try to determine what happened, a company spokeswoman said. It could take several days to uncover the cause of the explosion, she said.

The damage at Laura's Manor was extensive. One person was injured in the blast and subsequent fire at the townhome. He suffered burns throughout his body, and was listed in serious condition at Grady Hospital.

The townhome where the explosion occurred was vacant, said fire officials. The structure partially collapsed. Twelve units were evacuated.

Larry Strickland with Douglas County Water and Sewer Department marks utility services outside the damaged units.

Josh Lairsey with the Georgia Public Service Commission conducts his investigation Friday morning.

Georgia Public Service Commission's Josh Lairsey (left) and Michael Nantz consult as they conduct their investigation Friday morning.

The townhome on Dorsett Street partially collapsed. Twelve units were evacuated.

Candy Smith retrieves her mail Friday morning after she and her four children were spared harm just feet away from an explosion that happened Thursday.

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Investigators are searching a for a cause into an explosion that tore apart a Douglasville home Thursday. Residents reported a 'natural gas smell.'

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