American Red Cross working with dozens displaced after apartment explosion

DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dozens of people are without a home Sunday night after their Dunwoody apartment building exploded, leaving nothing but a pile of rubble behind.

At least 75 people are taking advantage of the services being provided by the American Red Cross, including dinner and a place to stay.

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“I saw the roof hanging, the entire wall apparently came through and there are bricks on top of the car,” said George West, who witnessed the explosion.

Officials are still working to determine how many units and residents at Arrive Perimeter apartment complex will be impacted and displaced long-term.

“It’s been very fluid as they come back and forth from the apartment, and they are not able to get down there, so it really depends,” Executive Director of the Greater Atlanta Red Cross told Channel 2′s Elizabeth Rawlins. “And it will be based on how many people can get in or not.”

Many of the residents who were home at the time of the explosion say they ran out as soon as it happened and they have not been allowed back inside since.

“They have been very helpful, giving us water and snacks and stuff as we wait to see what the next steps are,” said displaced resident Sharon Ragsdale.

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Those who were not home at the time, have no idea if they have a home to return to.

“I was at the game, and at the 4th quarter, I checked my phone, [started] reading the news, your station,” displaced resident Erik Wiley told Channel 2 Action News. “And I just got in my car and came up here.”

One mother who did not want to be identified said that she and her children have nothing more than the clothes on their back. They are taking advantage of the Red Cross services including staying the night at the Hampton Inn & Suites with so many other displaced residents.

The cause of the explosion remains the big question, but the answer is also creating uncertainty in the community.

“They have school tomorrow, so they probably won’t be able to go. Our laptops, computers, all of our belongings are still in there,” the mother said.

“I mean, this is crazy. Look at everyone here,” Wiley said.

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Depending on the damage, some people could be relying on the American Red Cross for an extended time.

Four people were hospitalized with injuries, but no fatalities have been reported.

4 injured in DeKalb County apartment explosion, officials say “It fairly well blew the building to pieces,” an officer with Dunwoody Police told Channel 2 Action News.

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