RICHMOND, Ind. — Five people were injured, including two juveniles, in a Thursday morning explosion and structure fire.
Just before 9 a.m., Richmond police and fire departments and Reid Health EMS were dispatched to two homes at 126 and 128 Randolph St.
Upon arriving, first responders observed a house on fire, which RFD was successful in putting out.
Two of the victims, identified as 51-year-old Forrest Tevis IV and 24-year-old Autumn Reed, were taken initially to Reid Health before being airlifted to Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis for care in a specialized burn unit. As of publication, they remain in life-threatening condition, according to RPD.
The two unnamed juveniles were evaluated on scene for possible smoke inhalation, but no more information was released about their conditions.
The fifth victim, a Good Samaritan who assisted the victims before the arrival of first responders, was treated on the scene and released.
The Indiana state fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the explosion and fire.
Assistant Chief of Police Adam Blanton said in a release, “This was a dangerous and fast-moving situation, and I’m incredibly proud of the swift, courageous actions of our officers, firefighters and medics. Thanks to their efforts, lives were saved today.”
Blanton told the Pal-Item both homes took significant damage.
Other assisting agencies included the Wayne County sheriff’s office, the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross, Richmond Power and Light and CenterPoint Energy.
Evan Weaver is a news and sports reporter at The Palladium-Item. Contact him on X (@evan_weaver7) or email at eweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: 5 people, including 2 juveniles, injured in house fire, possible explosion