Explosion at Indianapolis home sets others ablaze in neighborhood

A loud, late-night explosion destroyed two houses and set two other homes ablaze in an Indianapolis neighborhood, killing one person and causing other minor injuries while many fled in pajamas, local authorities reported on Sunday. Flying debris and the shock wave from the blast damaged homes over nearby blocks, crushing windows, breaking doors from frames and crumpling walls.                  

One person was found dead in one of the two homes leveled by the explosion just after 11 p.m. Saturday, said Lieut. Bonnie Hensley with the Indianapolis Fire Department. She didn't identify the person whose body was recovered after firefighters put out tall flames.                    

Hensley said that two homes exploded side by side, both leveled, and two more adjacent homes also caught fire and were severely damaged. About two dozen other homes were damaged by either the initial explosion or the shock wave and flying blast debris.                     

The cause of the explosions remains unknown, Hensley noted, adding that investigators would better assess the rubble after daybreak Sunday for clues.