Legal News for Georgia attorneys who handle insurance claims. A home explosion shook and damaged nearly 60 homes and left 18 families homeless.
News for Georgia lawyers—Georgia insurance litigation alert: Fire investigators to probe Calhoun, GA home explosion that damaged about 60 homes.
Calhoun, GA—A residential explosion shook a Calhoun, Georgia neighborhood on Thursday, April 15, 2010, leaving nearly 60 homes damaged. While the blast knocked the windows and doors out of every house in the neighborhood, no residents or bystanders suffered any serious injuries, according to information provided by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Reports stated an explosion occurred in a three-story house, located in the 100 block of Saddle Mountain Drive, at approximately 4 p.m., prompting state and local authorities to evacuate all residents residing in the neighborhood. While fire investigators allegedly believe the blast may have been set off by a natural gas leak in the home, according to Georgia state fire marshal and insurance commissioner John Oxendine, “It’s premature to say that is definitely the cause.”
Of the 60 houses that suffered some damage, including broken windows and doors, due to the force of the explosion; 18 suffered extensive damage and may be considered a total loss as a result of the blast. The neighborhood also currently lacks water, electricity and gas service due to the severity of the explosion. While the destructive blast left the affected area visibly distressed, many residents were luckily out of their homes at the time or suffered minor scrapes and bruises at worst. Calhoun Assistant Fire Chief Terry Mills noted, “It’s a miracle that all of these people were gone when this happened.”
A community meeting is expected to be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010, in which state and local fire authorities, inspectors and insurance company representatives will discuss the explosion and what rehabilitative actions will be taken.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Georgia lawyers who handle insurance claims.