SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Smyrna Fire Department is investigating a suspected explosion at a home on St. Michaels Lane Sunday afternoon.
Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion at a home around 4:35 p.m. Neighbors told WSMV4 that an elderly man, his wife and their dog were inside the home at the time.
A Smyrna police officer at the scene said the man was taken to the hospital but his condition was unknown.
Ronnie Cannon lives across the street from the house. He said his daughter had just left the house when the explosion happened. She called 911.
“I haven’t heard an explosion like that since I was in the military,” Cannon said. “The house looked like it had been hit by a bomb.”
Cannon said neighbors rushed from all directions to get the couple and their dog to safety. Even though the house was engulfed in flames, two young men ran inside to pull the homeowner onto the lawn, Cannon said.
“These guys had so much courage when they went in there. They had to walk up the steps to get him,” Cannon said. “They all helped get him across the street, all the neighbors, you know, they volunteered and pulled along and helped. When you see something like that, it just makes you proud, proud to be part of that group.”
Cannon said the man who lived in the house suffered burns all over his body when he was taken to a nearby hospital. He said he was working on the gas water heater when it exploded. Meanwhile, firefighters and his wife cared for the dog.
“We all agreed that we had just witnessed a miracle. There is absolutely no reason to believe that anyone could have survived this, and all three are alive. So God has put his hand on them,” he said.
WSMV4 is trying to find out how the man is doing and will update this article with the latest information.
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