GORDON COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News has obtained documents that implicate a homeowner in a massive house explosion in April that created a domino effect, damaging more than a dozen other nearby homes.
Investigators are calling the Gordon County blast arson.
Channel 2 Action News reporter George Howell went to Calhoun to sort out what the latest twist means for those affected by the explosion. The blast was so strong it blew out all the windows at Thomas Drogden's house directly across the street from Brian McDaniel's home, where the explosion originated.
Drogden's said his insurance covered repairs to his home. McDaniel's insurance company, Cotton States Mutual Insurance Company, didn't pick up a dime.
"It still hasn't crossed my mind how they would accuse him of arson. All his valuables were there, he didn't take anything out of his house," Drogden said. "I guess they're trying to cover themselves."
In a letter to the Calhoun City Council that was obtained by Channel 2, the city attorney cites documents filed in court by McDaniel's insurance company stating the explosion was caused by the intentional acts of the insured - the McDaniels. The letter went on to state that the insurance company has no liability to the insureds or any third parties.
WEB EXTRA: Home Explosion Document
But neighbors said whoever caused the explosion, it's not fair they had to pay.
"Our insurance company, as well as several others that were involved out here, have gone to the insurance company that insured that house (McDaniels) that exploded basically trying to get money out of them saying hey, ‘It wasn't our client's fault,'" said resident John Boston.
Neighbors told Howell that despite the insurance company's accusations, they are not pointing any fingers at this time.
WSBTV
