A home in Upper Arlington was destroyed by a large explosion on Saturday afternoon.
Firefighters responded to the explosion on Sunningdale Way just before 3 p.m.
Firefighters said nobody was home at the time and no one in the area was injured. The explosion could be felt as far away as Clintonville and the campus area.
“It literally shook the house,” said Upper Arlington resident Kyle Sauter. "Me and my brother were just sitting in the kitchen talking and the backdoor blew open and we looked at each other and just freaked out. We didn't know what was happening."
One neighbor said it felt like a plane crashed in the area.
The force of the blast shattered windows, crushed vehicles and caused major damage to nearby structures.
"There's at least seven [homes] significantly involved and that includes the primary structure that did suffer the explosion,” said Upper Arlington Fire Department Chief Jeff Young. “They all have varying degrees of [damage], but the ones closest had the most significant structural damage."
100-year-old Sally Patton lives a few doors down from the blast site. The explosion caused the windows on her home to break and the ceiling of her porch to come crashing down.
"We're just very, very thankful that's she's okay," said Patton's daughter Debbie Patton Cline.
Chief Young said a number of homeowners will be displaced for a period of time while repairs are made to their homes.
The Red Cross is offering assistance, including access to mental health professionals, for those families affected by the explosion.
Columbia Gas Communications and Community Relations Manager Dave Rau said the company was responding to a report of an odor of gas at the time of the explosion. The company has since shut off gas service to seven homes. Before service is restored, Columbia Gas will perform a safety inspection of all gas facilities on and around the area.
Rau issued this statement: "Columbia Gas is working with the Upper Arlington Fire Department to investigate the explosion at 3418 Sunningdale Way. While Columbia continues to work with the fire department to assist them in determining the cause, a number of families in the area may have been displaced. Columbia Gas remains committed to our community and wants to ensure that anyone who cannot stay in their home tonight has a warm place to stay. If you have been displaced from your home, please call 800-590-5571."
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