LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Police say one of four people who were hospitalized after a home explosion in Meade County on Thursday has been released.
According to Brandenburg Police Chief Brian Haag, an 11-year-old boy who was injured in the explosion has been treated and released from the hospital. He has not been publicly identified, as he is a juvenile.
Haag said three other victims remain hospitalized. An 8-year-old girl remains at Norton Children's Hospital, while 53-year-old Melissa Swartz and 21-year-old Daniel Swartz remain hospitalized at University of Louisville Hospital. All three of them are in the ICU.
Haag said the explosion occurred just before noon on Old Ekron Road, near the intersection of Happy Ridge Road.
"When we got on scene, we found four occupants that were in the home -- were in the front yard of the house with burns to the body," he said.
Haag said all four victims were alert.
"You could tell, you know, where the hair and different things from the explosion," he said. "Basically, there were a lot of burns."
The extent of their injuries is not known, but after being treated at the scene, two of the victims were taken by medical helicopter and two were taken by ambulance to hospitals in Louisville.
At least two of the victims were taken to Norton Children's Hospital, according to a family member.
Victor Morrow, the homeowner's brother, said he received a call from his niece shortly after the explosion.
"She just said, 'Mom's house exploded, and they're on the way to the hospital,'" he said.
Morrow said his sister, her 21-year old son and 11 and 8-year old grandchildren were inside the home. He said the 21-year old was being sedated and moved to ICU. "He's got burns probably on about 50 or 60 percent of his body," Morrow said.
Morrow said, his sister and her 8-year old granddaughter were also admitted to the hospital, but the 11-year old grandson was treated and released.
Morrow said the 21-year old was the first to hear the explosion.
"He said he was laying down sleeping, and he heard a boom and all he could think up was stuff was falling on him," Morrow said. "And get up and get everybody out. So, he ran and got his mom out and got the kids out as quick as he could. Said there was a little bit of fire in my sister's room."
Morrow said the quick actions by his nephew prevented more serious injuries, or worse.
"21-year old hero in my eyes," he said. "He saved everybody from any further injuries."
Haag believes everyone was lucky to make it out of the home alive.
"This could have totally been a different circumstance when we arrived," he said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
"The home is a complete loss," Haag said. "It blasted out both ends of the home -- the windows."
Meanwhile, Morrow hopes to get more answers soon.
"I'd like to know, just for their peace of mind as well," he said.
Meade County Fire Chief Chris Crawford is leading the investigation. He also serves as a deputy state fire marshal.
LG&E was on site to help with the investigation. Spokeswoman Chris Whelan said the company shut off the natural gas to the area, but she added that there is no confirmation of any problem with the gas lines.
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