Editor’s note: this story was updated at 2:59 p.m.
Westminster Police and Fire inspectors are still working to determine the cause of a home explosion that rocked Westminster’s Turnpike Drive area Feb. 22. This investigation will likely take several weeks, according to the news release.
Around 2 p.m. Feb. 22, a cadaver dog alerted to possible human remains inside of a home that exploded in Westminster, according to a news release from the Westminster Police Department. The identity of the individual will be released by the Adams County Coroner’s Office once family members have been notified.
A house on the 7700 block of Knox Court in Westminster exploded the morning of Feb. 22. Ten Westminster Fire Department units were dispatched to the home at 2:39 a.m, according to Westminster Fire Chief Doug Hall.
The single-family dwelling was completely destroyed by the blast, according to a news release from the fire department. The cause of the explosion is unknown and there were no surrounding fires that resulted from the explosion.
No injuries have been reported; however, one person is still unaccounted for.
Two homes and multiple vehicles nearby were damaged.
Residents in the area were evacuated and have gone back to their homes. However, the two homes on the north and south side of the explosion remain evacuated due to their blown-out windows, according to Hall. Those residents have been displaced, and the fire department is finding lodging for them.
This is a developing story and will be updated.