By BOB OLIVER
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — A 77-year-old man was hospitalized in serious condition with severe burns following an explosion at a vacant house in the 4900 block of Jonathan Street just after 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Fire Chief Joseph Murray said the investigation is ongoing but the explosion appeared to be caused from natural gas from a stove inside the house.
“It was a violent explosion,” Murray said. “It blew out the windows and the front door was sent across the street but the damage was contained to the one residence.”
Murray said emergency crews arrived within minutes and found the victim on the front lawn of the property with severe burns over his body.
“He was disoriented from the explosion but the victim was conscience and speaking at the scene,” Murray said.
Crews treated the man at the scene and transported him to the Detroit Medical Center Receiving Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
Murray said emergency crews believe the man was a caretaker for the property.
Murray also said firefighters were able to rapidly extinguish a small fire caused by the explosion and that there was little fire damage to the house.
(Bob Oliver can be reached at [email protected].)