NC home explosion injures one, displaces 20 others

ANGIER, N.C. (WNCN) — An investigation is underway after an explosion damaged a home Wednesday morning in Angier, leaving one man injured and forcing 20 people from their homes.

According to Angier Police Chief Lee Thompson Jr., emergency responders reported to a house that exploded just after 6 a.m. on 23 Bibury Way.

Officials said in the press conference late Wednesday morning that at least 3 homes were impacted by the explosion. Occupants surrounding the home were evacuated.

“When I woke up, I saw the neighbor’s windows blown out and it looked like there was a fire in the kitchen,” said Bryant Lasnoski, a displaced neighbor

Officials said they are still determining what caused the explosion, including a bomb squad that has entered the townhome.

Officials said they are also investigating if the explosion was caused by gas. “There has not been any leaks detected yet,” officials said.

Angier Chief of Police Lee Thompson, Jr. said firefighters said one man was living inside the home. He was found in the backyard partially on fire. 

“The skin on his arms were being burned and he was still on fire at the time,” said Thompson. 

Officials said a bomb squad and arson investigators were on scene earlier today. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation.

“Here at Angier Police Department, we’re not prepared to deal with bombs or whatever it could’ve possibly been,” said Thompson. 

Next-door neighbors said they are still on edge and waiting to know when they can return to their homes. 

“Right now, we can’t get into our homes. They’re still working with structural engineers, so we just have to wait to get answers,” said Lasnoski.

Local authorities have confirmed that there are no additional threats to the Angier community beyond the homes that were impacted by the explosion