Cause of explosion in Leland neighborhood is still under investigation

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — We have more details on an explosion in Leland that happened in the back of the Magnolia Greens community, just after 7:30pm Friday night. 

An explosion in the Three Oaks community at Magnolia Greens Friday night is still under investigation, but officials say there is no sign of criminal activity. 

Leland emergency management chief John Grimes says the cause is still being determined. 

“At least at this point, we are comfortable that there’s no criminal activity involved in this. We are still investigating from that standpoint but no reason to believe any criminal activity or anything of that nature,” Grimes shared. 

The explosion caused significant damage, with four homes deemed unsafe to occupy due to structural and electrical damage. Leland chief building official Daniel Knoch says many other units had minor damage. 

“We went around to approximately 92 units and assessed them for damage. Many of them had minor amounts of damage. There was no structural damage that we were able to see,” Knoch stated. 

Resident Jeff Enrietto recalls the moment the blast occurred.  

“No idea what it was, just a massive boom, the front windows were blown out the door was blown open. When I looked around the kitchen, I could see right to what it was, the whole house simple exploded,” Enrietto recalled.  

Three Oaks HOA president Nancy Simpson says the neighborhood is still in shock, but neighbors are coming together to help each other. 

“The community is a little bit in shock. People are still trying to assess what’s happened to their place but other than that everybody is working together to get this completed,” Simpson emphasized.  

Enrietto says the communication and response was the best he’s ever seen. 

“All of the services Leland emergency, fire, I can’t even name them all, police were just so on it and helpful. The police stayed all night,” Enrietto said with thanks.