Fort Wayne, IN – Investigators believe a natural gas leak caused an explosion last month that leveled a home and critically injured a man inside.
The home, at 1701 Bayer Ave., exploded just before noon July 14. Neighbors were able to pull 21-year-old Caleb Hoffman from the wreckage before the debris caught fire.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department said Wednesday that the explosion and ensuing fire was indicative of a natural gas leak inside the home.
Investigators said they were not able to determine what ignited the gas.
No malicious intent can be ascertained at this point in the investigation, the fire department said.
Hoffman had burns on 70 percent of his body, a roommate previously said. He remained in critical condition Wednesday.
The home was on the northwest corner of Sallie and Bayer avenues. Shortly after the explosion, the two-story house was a little more than a pile of rubble.
The back door was thrown 50 feet. The front door landed across the street. The south wall was blown out and resting against a utility pole. Broken glass littered the street and sidewalk.
Neighbors called 911 after hearing the explosion and rushed to the wreckage to pull Hoffman from the debris.
When firefighters arrived a short time later, he was already out.
Hoffman lived at the home with two others. He went to Concordia High School and had plans to start classes at Indiana University this month.