The lakeside home explosion in Herkimer County Friday afternoon was likely caused by propane, according to law enforcement officials. Town of Webb Police Chief Ron W. Johnston said a total of 17 homes were damaged after the explosion at 582 Hollywood Road, on First Lake.
The residence itself was destroyed, with the blast heard for miles around at about 2:40 p.m. Friday. Police said two landscapers working at the next door residence suffered cuts and bruises, with one of them taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica for treatment. Investigators from the state Fire Division of Homeland Security responded to the scene and believe the blast was likely propane-related, officials said.
The exact cause remains under investigation. No one was home at the time of the explosion.