DUBOIS/ORANGE CO. — A house explosion shook homes across Dubois and Orange County Monday evening.
Police and firefighters from Dubois, Lost River, and French Lick Volunteer Fire Department responded to the explosion on North Hillham Road, about six miles southwest of French Lick.
According to police, the home was leveled and debris was strewn for hundreds of yards around the property, landing on the county road. A large portion of the structure collapsed into the home’s basement. A detached garage engulfed in flames.
According to the Lost River Township Fire Department, the blast damaged homes a half-mile away, including blown-out windows.
Firefighters were on the scene for more than three hours, extinguishing fires started by the explosion.
Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter said one man is missing. Police and firefighters searched for the man.
Officials will return this morning with equipment to begin sifting through the construction debris. The State Fire Marshal’s office, which is taking over the investigation, also plans on bringing canine units from Brazil to assist in the search.
