1 dead in north Georgia house explosion

HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — Habersham County sheriff’s officials said they are responding to a house explosion in White County. A man in his 70s was killed in the blast.

Footage taken from NewsChopper2 over the scene showed the remnants of a house with debris spread across the area. Officials said the debris scattered over about 4 acres.

White County dispatchers told Channel 2 Action News police responded to the house at the Mount Yonah Scenic Estates off Duncan Bridge Road.

Neighbors said the man had come to his daughter's home to check on the heating system while she and her family were away. Investigators say the blast was propane related, but they aren't sure exactly what triggered it.

The state fire marshal's office said a propane tank, which was visible from NewsChopper2, was just serviced on Monday. It was pressure tested and passed.

"It appears to be some type of propane leak inside the residence that caused the explosion," White County Public Safety Director David Murphy said.

People from as far as 30 miles away told Channel 2's Tony Thomas that they felt the explosion in their homes.

Fire officials said the explosion damaged at least six other homes in the area. Some homes were knocked around and had several windows and doors blown out. Even cars were damaged.

"The house has definitely moved. I don't know what this means. We haven't had an official inspector check it out yet," neighbor Gloria Blowers said.

Officials have not released the name of the man who was killed in the explosion.

"It's terribly heartbreaking," Blowers said.

Cox Media Group