Updated: A woman was taken to the Anthony S. Eden Hospital in George Town on Friday night following an explosion at her Bodden Town home.
The 52-year-old occupant of the house suffered “serious but non-life-threatening injuries”, police said in a statement Saturday morning.
The incident happened at 7:01pm at a home on Harvey Stephenson Drive, off Anton Bodden Drive, 911 officials said.
Police said the home suffered “significant structural damage”.
The roof of the house appeared to have sustained substantial damage.
“Investigators from the Cayman Islands Fire Service will conduct further examination of the scene to determine the cause of the explosion,” police said.
Neighbour Theresa Drummonds told the Compass she was at home at the time of the explosion.
“I was outside when I heard a loud boom,” she said.
Drummonds and her husband, along with several other neighbours, rushed to the nearby street, where, she said, they were shocked by the damage to the house.
She said she was shaken from the incident and plans to do additional checks at her own home since she has gas-powered appliances.
The police statement issued Saturday noted, “The RCIPS and [the Fire Service] remind members of the public to exercise caution around damaged or compromised structures and to report any signs of gas leaks, electrical hazards, or unusual smells immediately to 9-1-1.
“If you suspect a safety risk at your home, do not attempt to investigate or repair it yourself, contact the appropriate emergency services for assistance.”
Advice from Home Gas
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, Home Gas said its team of experts was working closely with authorities “to provide necessary information and support the ongoing investigation”.
“While we are not directly involved in the incident, we understand the importance of cooperation and transparency to help prevent such events from occurring in the future,” general manager John Corallo said.
The company reminded customers of the importance of having gas detectors installed along with their gas tanks.
Home Gas said it adhered to the “strictest safety standards and regulations to ensure the safe storage, distribution, and use of propane”.
The company advised that propane tanks, pipework and appliances are installed by certified propane technicians or LPG providers. It recommended the following steps if anyone smells propane in their home:
- Evacuate immediately: Leave the area and get everyone out.
- Extinguish flames: Put out cigarettes or open flames.
- Avoid electrical devices: Do not use switches or appliances.
- Shut off propane (if safe): Turn off the tank valve if possible.
- Leave doors open: Ventilate the area during evacuation.
- Call for help: Contact 911 from a safe location.
- Do not re-enter: Wait for professional clearance.
- Schedule investigation: Have systems checked before re-use.
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