Explosion Leveled Billings Home and Damaged Several Others

Police, fire and utility employees are working to determine the cause of an explosion and fire that leveled a Billings house and damaged several others on Wednesday, leaving debris scattered across a residential neighborhood.

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. spokesman Rick Matteson said natural gas was likely involved, but could not say what might have triggered the explosion. He said an early report that a large rock fell from a nearby ridge and landed on a gas line was speculation.

The homeowner was not present, and nobody was injured in the Wednesday morning blast.

Billings Police Sgt. Kevin Iffland said gas and electricity were turned off in the area and residents were evacuated from several blocks around the house.

The home is in the same area as one that was destroyed by a falling rock in October.

Story From The Associated Press