Ottumwa, Iowa – On a quiet Sunday morning, the Ottumwa Fire Department was called to respond to a gas explosion at 19 Asbury Circle. What they encountered was a scene of devastation – a one-story house engulfed in flames, its front deck demolished, and windows shattered. The chaos extended to the gas meter, which was ablaze with fire fueled by leaking gas. Additional crews rushed to the scene, ensuring the safety of surrounding homes by checking for gas levels, though thankfully none were detected.
As firefighters battled the raging inferno, they made a disturbing discovery – gas bubbling up through the asphalt driveway. The gravity of the situation prompted the summoning of MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy, who diligently worked to pinpoint the origin of the leak throughout the day. Meanwhile, fire crews combed the neighborhood for any additional gas leaks, maintaining a vigilant watch over the area.
The State Fire Marshal along with MidAmerican Energy are scheduled to revisit the site on Monday for a thorough investigation into the causes of the explosion. The incident, which unfolded while a married couple was inside the home, serves as a harrowing reminder of the dangers posed by gas leaks and the importance of swift and coordinated emergency response efforts in such crises.