Investigators Still Stumped On Cause Of Indianapolis Explosion

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Nov 13, 2012 4:20PM

Investigators continue to examine the remains of the mysterious explosion in Indianapolis that killed two people, injured seven people and damaged 80 homes on Saturday. While natural gas is expected to be the cause, the explanation isn't that simple.

The blast was strong enough that it was heard from three miles away, and now The Indy Star reports earthquake sensors picked up the vibrations from 30 miles away. Explosive experts said it would take "90 pounds of natural gas, a lack of ventilation and an ignition source" to turn the 2,700-square foot home into a bomb large enough to do that damage.

Around 11 p.m. Saturday night, Indianapolis police received multiple calls about a massive explosion. Officials believe the explosion originated in the home of Monserrate Shirley, who was out of town at the time. Her ex-husband says their daughter told him the heat had gone out, and he believes a faulty furnace could have caused the explosion. There was no one inside the home at the time of the explosion, not even the cat.

The blast killed a couple in a nearby home: Elementary school teacher Jennifer Longworth, 36 and her husband Dion Longworth, 34. Seven people were taken to area hospitals. At least 80 homes were affected with broken windows, cracked ceilings and bowed-out walls. Officials say about 30 homes will have to be demolished altogether.

The natural gas company Citizens Energy is inspecting the area and has found no evidence of leaks. There had been no calls to report the faulty furnace at the Shirley residence, and no one reported smelling the tell-tale rotten egg scent. Citizens Energy told the Indy Star that "a meter reader had been to the house on Oct. 26 to test energy consumption levels and found nothing out of the ordinary."