[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRsYA8qnWWU]

(photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Three fire departments were called to a house fire at 345 N. SR 19, Etna Green, just after 10 a.m. today.

Mentone Fire Chief Mike Yazel tells Stacey Page Online this afternoon that Kenneth Holloway noticed a gas leak on his stove. When Holloway went outside to shut off the gas, his home exploded.

Etna Green and Mentone fire departments called for tanker assistance from Atwood and Tippecanoe fire departments. Yazel says there were no injuries in the explosion and the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting Holloway, who resided at the home alone. Anyone wanting to help the victim, can call the Red Cross office at 574-267-5244.

While fire crews are at the scene for approximately three hours, SR 19 from CR 75 North to Welsh Road was closed.

Yazel says the home is a total loss and one vehicle was also destroyed. He estimates damages to be at least $100,000.