More than 100 firefighters responded to the historic Kelton House Museum & Garden in downtown Columbus Monday afternoon after a gas leak led to an explosion, according to Assistant Fire Chief Mike Secrist. Columbus Division of Fire crews responded to the Kelton House Museum around 2:30 p.m. Secrist said shortly after firefighters entered the main building, there was a detection of natural gas. Soon after, an explosion occurred, he said.
According to a Columbus public safety dispatcher, the fire department’s run indicated the leak came from a supply line with a strong smell of natural gas. Columbia Gas and AEP crews also responded to the scene. A neighbor who lives next door said she heard a loud boom and felt her building shake during the explosion.
Billowing smoke and flames were seen coming from the building’s roof shortly after. Secrist described the explosion as “catastrophic,” saying that several structures behind the main Kelton House were “completely leveled.” He said the main building was also showing signs of possible collapse. Secrist confirmed all firefighters were OK and there were no injuries.
WBNS-TV CBS 10 Columbus
