
FLINT, Mich. (WWJ) -- Cleanup efforts are underway after a home explosion in Flint Monday night killed two people, including a child, and left at least two others injured.
Authorities say a 4-year-old girl NuVeah Lucas and a 55-year-old woman who lived next door were killed in the blast at a home on Hogarth Avenue. Two others remained in the hospital, as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Their conditions were unknown.
David Brown, the father of NuVeah, suffered burns on more than 70% of his body and is in critical condition.
Firefighters and first responders were called to the scene of the massive fire around 9:30 p.m. Monday as residents in neighborhoods as far away as Burton and Grand Blanc reported feeling the blast.
It's still not clear what led to the explosion, but Consumers Energy says they found no evidence of a natural gas leak.
The utility shut off natural gas and electric service to three homes that were destroyed and four surrounding homes that were damaged.
Flint councilman Dennis Pfeiffer was at the scene and he tells WWJ four homes were destroyed and officials say at least 20 others were damaged.
Crews were still investigating the incident and working to determine whether the area was safe for residents to retrieve items from their homes.
Mid-Michigan NOW reported their newsroom received several calls from residents in the area that felt the ground shake, while others on social media documented the blaze.
Red Cross spokeswoman Kathy Anthofer-Fialon said they have been called to help and have a shelter set up at St. Pius X church at 3139 Hogarth Ave.
Anthofer-Fialon says they have a warming center for impacted residents, where they are also offering meals.
Hand of God Ministries, which is just blocks away from where several homes were damaged, opened its doors late Monday night to provide temporary shelter and resources. Dr. Tonya Bailey says the community has shown its support through donations and she hopes others will give as the holiday season gets underway.
“I just want to remind folks that during this time of Thanksgiving, that the word itself gives us instruction. It tells us, one, to be thankful, and it also then tells us to give," Bailey told WWJ. "So in that vein, I believe as humans, we have an obligation to care for one another. Our ministry is doing its part, but we can’t do it alone. It’s going to take all of us and not just some of us.”
Bailey says the city of Flint has partnered with area hotels to provide a longer stay for those impacted.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest details on this developing story. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
