Virginia home explosion investigation continues; no injuries were reported

HAYMARKET, Va. – The investigation into a large home explosion in Virginia that completely destroyed a home in Haymarket continues Wednesday. The explosion displaced two families, but miraculously four adults and two children escaped unharmed. However, some family pets remain missing.

Firefighters responded to the 5900 block of Colby Hunt Court in Haymarket shortly after 4 pm Tuesday for a suspected gas leak. They evacuated the house and several others as a precaution. About an hour later, the house exploded.

Jarrett Struniak, one of the displaced residents, told FOX 5 he was renting the house with his fiancee, his 3-year-old daughter, his best friend, his wife and son. There were two dogs and three cats in the household. She said two of the cats remain missing.

READ MORE: Haymarket home explosion: Investigators look into possible gas leak

Struniak said the homeowner had hired a contractor to fix a water main break and crews with heavy equipment hit the gas line. The Red Cross is helping displaced families, and firefighters said natural gas service would be shut off to eight nearby homes for up to two days while repairs were made.

Several vehicles were damaged by flying debris from the explosion. The gas company has sealed the leak and officials are assuring residents that there is no further danger. The official cause of the explosion remains under investigation.