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Propane Tank Explodes, Damages North Side Home

NORTH SIDE (KDKA) – A North Side home was damaged after a propane tank blew up Monday morning.

According to officials at the scene, the incident happened in the 1200 block of Middle Street around 11 a.m.

"We got an initial report that there was an explosion in a house. Upon arrival, we found the occupant standing outside. He stated that he was doing some work with some propane. Next thing you know, he walked away and it exploded. We came up there was significant damage to the building," Battalion Chief Michael Marks said.

It is believed the homeowner tried to cut the valve off the top of the tank and heard some gas leaking. He walked away moments before it exploded.

The explosion blew out windows in the home and damaged a door. "It was a little intense hearing everything, just trying to assess what happened, you've got all that smoke. Once we walked outside, we figured it out, like I said, glad everyone's safe," Jacob Guertin, a neighbor, said.

As for the man inside, Marks said he was lucky to walk away uninjured.

"We're still alive, take one day at a time and see what happens," Janice Kosakowsky said. "Glad my husband's okay."

Due to the damage, the homeowners are not being allowed back inside.

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