Two critically hurt when home explodes and burns, NC SBI says. Teen escaped fire
A criminal investigation has been launched into an explosion that put a couple in the hospital and reduced their house to seared studs, according to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
The explosion happened Wednesday at a single-family home north of Claremont, and investigators suspect “explosive materials” may have been inside the residence, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office reported.
“The 911 call reported a home explosion and fire on Shook Road ... When authorities arrived they found a home on fire with major damage,” the SBI said in an April 1 news release.
“A couple with life-threatening injuries was transported to the hospital. Their 14-year-old daughter was able to escape the fire.”
Identities of the injured have not been released and investigators have provided details of where they were found.
The Catawba County’s Fire Marshal requested a criminal investigation into the cause, which led to the SBI being involved, officials said.
“Sheriff’s investigators have since obtained information concerning the possibility of explosive materials inside this residence,” the sheriff’s office said. “A search is underway to corroborate or refute allegations concerning the involvement of explosive materials in this incident.”
Multiple Catawba County fire departments and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene, officials said.
Claremont is along Interstate 40, about a 45-mile drive northwest from uptown Charlotte.