Ft. Wayne native lived across from explosion

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WANE) - Without knowing what’s to blame for the explosion responsible, dozens of families in Indianapolis have started to face how their lives have changed.

One of those is a couple originally from northeast Indiana.  Tony and Laurie Burnett built their home in the Richmond Hill subdivision seven years ago.  It sat across the street from the source of devastation Saturday. 

Two homes were leveled in a blast not yet explained , the force of which rendered the Burnetts’ and 30 other homes uninhabitable.

 “The roof in some spots almost looks like an accordion and I’m told [the house] has been blown off the foundation,” Tony Burnett said.  “I’ve got pieces of other people’s homes in my house.”

Burnett was not allowed to return to his damaged home until Monday afternoon.

“I haven’t had insurance or anything look at it; I just sat there and felt like bawling,” Burnett said.

During the trip, he gathered only enough personal items to fill the trunk of his car including family photographs and a change of clothes.

Burnett couldn’t immediately answer what is next for his family.

“It’s kind of a time to start over.  I’m 49 years old and I’m going to be starting my life over again,” he said.

The couple will stay with family in Fort Wayne for the time being.