Two bodies recovered from scene of explosion, fire at home in Burlington: "Like a bomb going off"
BURLINGTON -- Officials with the Racine County Sheriff's office say two people were killed in an explosion and fire at a home in Burlington on Saturday, May 14th. The Sheriff's Office is continuing efforts to confirm information that a third person was at the home at the time.
Sheriff's officials say this explosion and fire are believed to be suspicious in nature.
The investigation is ongoing.
More than 24 hours later, crews were still on the scene on Sunday, May 15th. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the explosion.
It happened on Ketterhagen Road just after 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14th.
One body was found inside the home.
"It was like seeing a small Hiroshima. That's what it reminded me of," Thomas Boyle said.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Video courtesy: Racine County Sheriff's Office)
On Sunday, we were able to get a better look at the damage left behind. The home is a total loss.
Crews have been working since the explosion and fire happened to try to determine a cause, and see whether there are any other possible victims besides the two confirmed victims.
On Sunday afternoon, officials began using a crane to sift through the rubble.
Explosion, fire at home in Burlington
Racine County Sheriff's deputies were combing through the woods surrounding the home, looking for clues.
Officials say they received a call regarding smoke and flames coming from the home on Ketterhagen Road at 3:15 p.m. Sunday.
"It was black. It was black and smokey. I knew it wasn`t a grass fire," Boyle said.
Before officials arrived on scene, there was a large explosion.
Explosion, fire at home in Burlington
While fighting the fire, investigators say a body was found at the home, however, the identity and gender of the victim is unknown at this time.
Neighbors said they could hear and feel the explosion as it happened on Saturday.
Some even reported seeing flames and smoke from about three miles away.
"There was a big huge ball of smoke that came up. Almost like a bomb going off," Thomas Boyle said.
Explosion, fire at home in Burlington
"The windows rattled and the whole house just shook," Michael McCann said.
A large perimeter around the home on Sunday extended to fields and construction sites across the street.
"They`re still investigating it. It will probably take awhile," McCann said.
Property tax records show the home is a possible rental.
Residents nearby said they believe a man lived at the home for about seven years.