House explosion claims one life

GRANT COUNTY, Ind. (WANE/AP) - Authorities believe a propane gas leak caused an explosion that destroyed a rural home in central Indiana, killing the 71-year-old homeowner.

The explosion happened at around 10 p.m. Wednesday at the home a couple miles from the Grant County town of Upland.

Grant County Sheriff Darrell Himelick tells the Chronicle-Tribune of Marion that work was being done at the home to switch its heating system from gas to wood.

Despite speculation, Upland Fire Department Chief Brian Holtzleiter said it is too early to determine an exact cause. 

A state fire marshal investigator is helping local crews and will eventually have the final word on the cause of the explosion.

Jack L. Williams, 71, was the home's owner and was the only person inside the house.  Williams died instantly.

The blast was heard by people in Hartford City, which is six miles away.