NFL player’s father killed in Morrisville home explosion – WSOC-TV

MORESVILLE, NC — The father of Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley died Tuesday morning after an explosion destroyed Farley’s home near Lake Norman in Morrisville.

Another person was injured.

The explosion occurred in the multi-million dollar home at approximately 12 a.m. on Barber Loop Road near Old Arborway Road. Investigators believe it was an accident.

A press release from the Emergency Department stated that first responders were called to the home after someone reported an explosion.

Robert Farley was later found dead in the wreckage. Maiden resident Caleb Farley was not at home he had bought for his father when it exploded.

First responders found Christian Rogers, who was “getting out of the house”. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigation

Local and federal investigators are trying to determine the cause of the explosion.

Investigators believe the incident began in a bedroom and are focusing on a natural gas pipeline.

Iredell County emergency officials believe the gas built up over a long period of time and found its way to the source of the ignition.

An expert gave ABC News some thoughts on what the investigation would look like.

“They will first try to identify the fuel that was used in the explosion and then they will try to determine the source,” said Richard Meyer, a fire and explosion investigator and analyst at Meyer Fire Investigation Company. “Did it come from a leak in the pipe? Did it come from a leak in the appliance? Did it come from a leak in the gas main outside? Everything from the flick of a light switch to static electricity. It takes a very small amount of energy to ignite a combustible gas.

Dominion Energy, which serves the home, said in a statement to Channel 9 that it had representatives among the first responders who showed up after the blast.

“We continue to work in coordination with emergency personnel on this ongoing investigation,” Dominion Energy said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life. Our hearts go out to the family affected by this event.”

“complete shock”

Erika Shields, who lives near the building, said she was blown away.

“It was no small explosion,” Shields told Channel Nine. “Everything just disappeared, it was there not so long ago and now it’s gone.”

Shields went to see what house it was after work. Little did she know that this was the house she said her friend Rogers was staying at.

“I am in complete shock and disbelief, and I try not to cry knowing this is his home,” Shields said.

Richards came out alive.

She said, “An angel on his shoulder guards him.”

Rogers was alert and speaking on Tuesday night.

Neighbors told Channel 9 broadcaster Ken Lemon the view of what was left of the house was unimaginable.

“I heard a big bang and almost a crash, a big crash,” said Pete Schurger, who lives six houses away. “I turned to my wife and told her it sounded like a house exploding.”

The whole house shook, Schwerger says, and he felt the air “suck in.” He said he was startled when he walked down the street. He said that the entire incident happened in an instant.

“You might be sitting in your house in a minute and he’ll be gone,” he said.

Neighbors say the family has only lived here for a year. People remember their faces, but they don’t know them very well. However, some neighbors brought the family cold drinks and warm words.

“It’s terrible; I mean, there’s nothing left, it’s gone,” said Mike Reinhart, a neighbour.

Reinhart said he and his wife want the family to know they are in their prayers.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the incident after practice Tuesday afternoon, expressing his condolences to Caleb Farley’s family.

This is a developing story. check wsoctv.com for updates.

Video: The state investigated safety concerns at the Anson County plant prior to the explosion

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