Explosion completely levels home in Ballantyne
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - A man freed from debris following a house explosion in Ballantyne Tuesday managed to call 911 and alert rescuers to his location, officials said.
It took about two hours for firefighters to rescue the man. According to Charlotte Fire Department, the man was alert and concious when crews pulled him out of the rubble. FOX 46 cameras were rolling as the man was airlifted to the hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.
The explosion happened about 1:51 p.m. in the 11000 block of James Jack Lane.The location is less than a five-minute drive from Ballantyne Corporate Park. The entire home was reduced to splinters.
Officials said they were searching for at least one other person and would remain in rescue mode.
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More than 80 firefighters were actively working to get through the rubble. Complicating the situation for crews is the weather, with the heat index expected to possibly surpass 100 degrees.
Shortly after fire crews arrived the department called a fourth alarm, making this a four-alarm fire and bringing in additional man power, officials said. Medic reported that a mass casualty bus was responded to the scene.
At least two people were treated for non-life threatening injuries, but their condition is unknown at this time.
A next door neighbor showed FOX 46 the residual damage at their home caused by the blast. Windows were blown out, the drywall cracked, lights fell down and items were blasted off of their counters, leaving broken shards all around.
One neighbor told FOX 46 they felt the blast from their home, located two doors down. They said they thought it was Fourth of July fireworks at first, but realized the explosion was too big to be fireworks.
Crews did not evacuate the area, but many residents opted to leave their homes temporarily.
FOX 46 is live at the scene. Watch here.
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