CANTON ‒ A city neighborhood was shaken by a massive explosion July 30.
The blast, which took place around 4 a.m. at 1617 Bonnot Place NE, injured two men who are both now at the burn unit at Akron Children’s Hospital. They both suffered traumatic injuries, severe burns and are in serious condition. There have been no deaths or other serious injuries reported.
One man was blown from the two-story, three-bedroom house and landed on a porch across the street, a neighbor said.
Here’s what we know about what happened:
How did the Canton house explosion happen?
The blast was caused by a natural gas explosion.
Division Fire Chief Steve Henderson has said some of the 20 Canton firefighters who responded encountered the odor of mostly methane gas at the scene. Enbridge Gas personnel showed up to turn off the gas at the meter. The gas is odorless, but the utility adds the chemical mercaptan to the gas so people can detect it by smell.
Neighbor Allen Blunt said one of the victims told him that he was on the second floor of the house when he cut a gas line.
Authorities are still investigating.
Was the house vacant?
The house was vacant and for sale, according to Zillow. Several neighbors said they thought that no one lived there.
Who owns the house?
The property owner is John Loewen, from Buffalo, New York, a missionary who had intended to sell the house. He had bought the property in 2024, but after leaving Canton he decided to flip the home.
He told the Repository that he fixed up the house to nearly “100%” and was ready to sell it before the explosion. It was listed for $94,900.
Who were the two victims?
Officials have yet to identify the two burn victims. It’s not clear why the men were at the house at the time.
How much damage did it cause?
Henderson has said firefighters had the blaze under control within minutes because the explosion destroyed much of the house and potential fuel for the fire, leaving flames mainly in the basement area.
The Canton Fire Department estimates the explosion led to a $83,100 loss to the structure and $10,000 loss for the contents.
The blast set some neighboring properties on fire, knocking down power lines and scattering debris, with some rubble landing on other houses. Four nearby homes suffered serious structural damage and several others reported broken windows and doors.
There’s been no estimate given for all the property damaged.
What is the city doing?
The American Red Cross, city of Canton, Refuge of Hope and Community Care Center helped find places to stay for 23 people impacted.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families and neighbors impacted by this morning’s explosion,” Mayor William V. Sherer II said in a prepared statement. “I want to thank our first responders, city crews, contractors, and community partners who have worked to secure the area and assist those affected. I’m asking all residents to avoid the area so crews can safely complete what will be a massive cleanup effort.
“While the immediate response is underway, we are equally committed to the long-term recovery. We will continue working alongside Canton For All People to ensure our displaced residents have the resources they need to move forward.”
Where does the investigation stand?
The division chief has said Canton Fire Prevention Bureau and the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal are investigating the cause of the explosion.
The Repository reached out to fire officials July 31 but an update on the investigation wasn’t available.
Reach Aaron at 330-580-8428 or ahhughes@usatodayco.com. On X: @AaronHughe2. Includes reporting from Repository staff writer Robert Wang.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton house explosion injures 2, destroys homes. What we know
Reporting by Aaron Hughes, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Aaron Hughes, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
