FRANKLIN, Va. — Update: A representative with the Franklin Police Department confirmed on April 30 that one of the victims, identified as Michael Wiggins, has died from his injuries. The condition of the other victim, who we were told initially was also in critical condition, is not known at this time.
Emergency workers took at least two people to the hospital after an explosion at a home on April 15.
Hunterdale Volunteer Fire Department was one of many agencies that helped Franklin Fire and Rescue as it responded to the explosion in the 600 block of Campbell Ave. around 10:50 p.m.
A fire followed the explosion, and although early reports indicated people still may have been in the building, Hunterdale VFD said that crews did not find anyone inside when they checked it.
Hunterdale VFD said medics took patients to Southampton Medical Center.
Franklin City Manager Amanda Jarratt said two people were hurt badly in the event.
“One was flown out to a medical facility outside of the region. The other was transported locally," Jarrett said. "Both injuries are deemed to be critical at this point in time."
Jarratt said the patient who was flown was taken to a hospital in Richmond.
“The explosion was so loud that it did impact homes throughout the city of Franklin,” Jarratt said. “It was very loud, it did shake homes throughout the city. So there were a large volume of calls to the city of Franklin 911 center.”
Jarrett said other homes in the area are OK, with no significant structural damage.
“There was minor impact to glass in other duplexes adjacent to the one that was impacted," she said. "Some windows that were cracked and broken.”
At least one security camera at a home caught the explosion when it took place.
As for what caused the explosion, Jarrett said it’s still too early to tell. She said Virginia State Police investigators are working to figure out what happened.
“Nothing deemed to be suspicious at this point in time," Jarrett said. "However due to the severity of the explosion we certainly want to make sure the Virginia State Police have access to the site and time to conduct a throughout investigation.”
Among the other agencies on the scene of the explosion and fire were Carrsville Volunteer Fire Department, Courtland Volunteer Fire Department, Courtland Volunteer Rescue Squad, Franklin Police Department, Southampton County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police. Additionally, members of Sedley Volunteer Fire Department helped cover operations at Hunterdale.
