Family members say an Ellis County couple is expected to survive after their home exploded unexpectedly in the middle of the night.
The blast occurred on Ike Road in Waxahachie shortly after 2 AM. In the aftermath, debris such as boards and insulation was scattered widely around the area, creating a broad swath of destruction.
“It was just a loud bang and vibration,” said Billy Vest, a captain with the Waxahachie Fire Department. “I can’t describe how it felt, but I jumped out of bed, knowing something was wrong.”
The explosion woke up neighbors, including Vest, who quickly responded to the scene. From afar, he initially thought it was a car fire and was shocked by the extent of the damage to the house.
“It’s incredible. I’ve never seen a house blown apart like that,” Vest remarked.
The house belonged to an elderly couple. Vest reported that the woman had been thrown by the explosion but was already moving around when he arrived. Her husband was found trapped under debris.
“We went straight to him. He had burns, and we tried to move him out,” Vest said. “We couldn’t let him walk due to the nails and debris, so we carried him out.”
Both individuals were taken to the hospital. Family members indicated that while their recovery would be lengthy, they are expected to survive.
As fire officials investigate the cause of the explosion, witnesses have called it a miracle that the couple survived such extensive damage.
“All I can think is that God was watching over them,” Vest said. “Given the destruction, it’s remarkable they made it through.”
The Ellis County Fire Marshal’s office stated that it’s too early to determine the cause of the explosion and the investigation is ongoing.
