Halifax County home explodes after woman reports gas smell

Patterson Wilson owns the historic home in the 200 block of King Street.

According to fire officials, Wilson called the gas company, New Dixie, Friday morning when she ran out of gas. Fire officials said workers from the gas company came and refilled her tank, but New Dixie disputes that claim.

Wilson said she reported smelling gas after workers left, but assumed it was from the re-igniting process. She then left her home. The home exploded at about 4:30 p.m.

Morgan Burnette, who witnessed the explosion said she felt the ground shake.

"I was in shock. It's nothing I've ever experienced before," she said. "I fell to the ground. I was screaming and crying."

Fire Chief Ed Johnson said based on preliminary information, a gas leak under the home filled the house with propane and then ignited.

Fire crews from Halifax, Enfield and Weldon responded to the blast. It took firefighters about 25 minutes to control the flames.

Bob Edwards, who lives nearby, said she was in shock.

"I'm just glad she wasn't in the home, nobody was there," Edwards.

Wilson is now staying at another home.

Additional information about the explosion is not immediately available.