Corbin, KY – A man has been rushed to the hospital after investigators say his house exploded in Corbin Friday afternoon.
The explosion happened just before 1 p.m. at a home on South Kentucky Street, near 20th Street. Firefighters say the explosion also sparked a fire at the home.
Wendell Brown, says he was across the street, and rushed into the burning home to rescue the man who was inside.
“Without thinking, I just took out the the door running. I saw the house, It was just collapsed,” he said.
He said it was something no one ever wants to see.
“That’s a sight I will never, ever get out of my mind,” Brown said.
He found the victim, the only one officials say was in the house, Roger Anspach.
“His beard was scorched. I had to put his beard out his my hands,” Brown said.
“Basically he was burnt. Probably 60 to 70 percent of his body had burns on it,” Corbin Fire Capt. Jack Partin explained.
Anspach’s home was destroyed but Dan Siebert says his home next door is also a total loss.
“It was a big boom, and the house shook, the closet in the from room collapsed. And we got out,” he said.
What caused the explosion remains under investigation, but Delta Gas trucks were in the area. Brown says Anspach was able to talk to him.
“He said it was a gas line explosion, and I asked him if there was anyone else in the house, and he couldn’t answer me, so I went back in. I just couldn’t see anyone else,” Brown said.
Anspach was airlifted to a Tennessee hospital.
“If he ever listening to this, I hope and pray I saved your life. That you’re alive,” Brown said.