Town of Leland provides update on house explosion investigation
LELAND, NC (WWAY) — The Town of Leland said the investigation into an explosion in the Magnolia Greens neighborhood is ongoing.
It happened on May 16 and damaged several homes on Suncrest Way.
One person was rescued from the townhouse.
Officials said that individual and one other sustained injuries that did not require hospitalization.
The Town of Leland, property owner insurance carrier representatives, and other agencies will begin mobilizing resources and personnel to dismantle and remove debris over the next several weeks in order to safely access the interior of the structure impacted by the blast.
A town spokesperson said this next phase is essential to advancing the investigation, as the cause and origin of the explosion remains undetermined at this time.
The spokesperson added that this is a systematic process that must meet National Fire Protection Association guidelines regarding fire and explosion investigations.
Since the incident, Leland Fire/Rescue and Leland Police investigators have obtained materials, data, and interviewed witnesses and nearby residents.
The town spokesperson said they have also been organizing efforts to bring all the appropriate parties together, including private investigators, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, State Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Officials said the goal of the investigation process is to methodically eliminate possible origins of the explosion and to focus on the cause.
The Town of Leland said this will require heavy equipment such as cranes and excavators, and specialized crews to deconstruct the collapsed building.
As material is removed from the scene, professional forensic investigators and industrial hygienists will collect and analyze the evidence to assist in determining the cause.
The town spokesperson said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
