Investigation underway into cause of home explosion in Brunswick County. Here's the latest
- A home explosion in Leland damaged several residences and injured two people.
- The explosion, which occurred on Friday evening, prompted a large response from multiple agencies.
- The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but there is no ongoing threat to the public.
(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
The investigation into a home explosion that damaged numerous of homes in a Leland neighborhood continued over the weekend as cleanup and repairs began.
The explosion happened around 7:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Suncrest Way in Magnolia Greens on Friday, May 16. The explosion, which originated from a townhouse unit, caused significant damage to at least four residential units, according to a news release on Saturday from the town.
One person was rescued from the home. That individual and one other sustained injuries that did not require hospitalization, according to the release.
Investigation continues
Leland building inspectors, police, emergency management, and Leland Fire/Rescue crews remained on scene Saturday, with the top priorities being property safety and structural evaluations. Inspectors assessed approximately 70 units in the Three Oaks section of Magnolia Greens.
Four homes were deemed unsafe to occupy due to structural damage, according to the release. Most damage outside the immediate impact area was minor and primarily limited to drywall and other non-structural elements, making them safe for residents to enter.
Fencing has been installed to secure the affected area as the investigation continues. Residents are encouraged to stay out of the area.
While the exact cause of the explosion remained under investigation as of Monday, May 19, the town will work with insurance providers and other partners to determine the cause once it is safe to do so. Leland is working with Three Oaks residents to provide updates and answer questions from those affected, according to the release.
Reaction from residents
On Saturday morning, about a dozen neighbors assembled to talk about what they saw and heard.
Some said they thought their Magnolia Greens neighborhood had been bombed while others talked about how homes on nearby streets even saw minor damage.
Law enforcement had most of the block surrounded by yellow tape and a few officials were on scene. By 1 p.m. Saturday, cleanup at nearby homes had begun with some homeowners already trying to make repairs.
The blast resulted in minor damage to numerous homes, with garage doors across the street blown in and siding coming loose in many cases.
The townhome where the explosion occurred suffered massive damage. The roof appeared to have blown off and debris, such as wood and shingles, could be seen several houses away.
The incident prompted a large-scale response, with personnel from Leland Fire/Rescue, Leland police, State Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and fire departments from Wilmington, New Hanover County, Pender County, Winnabow, Navassa, Supply, Bolivia, and Northwest on scene.
The American Red Cross has been notified and will assist displaced residents with temporary housing and emergency needs.