Clues Sought for Cause of Blast That Injured 5
The sheriff’s bomb squad and federal investigators sifted through the wreckage of an apartment building Monday, seeking clues to an explosion that injured five people and shattered windows of neighboring homes.
As firefighters worked to shore up the building so investigators could safely enter it, sheriff’s officials said they suspected a natural gas leak, but they had not ruled out a bomb.
“It’s still up in the air,” said Deputy Bob Killeen.
Chris Poe, a resident of the building, said a former tenant had recently threatened to blow up the building if he was evicted. “He talks a lot of talk, so I didn’t take him seriously,” said Poe, adding that other neighbors saw the man entering the vacant apartment just before the blast.
Authorities reportedly questioned two men but released them.
Two residents were hospitalized, including a 33-year-old man who suffered second-degree burns on his back. All other injuries were minor.
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