Central City explosion injures homeowner, displaces neighbors

A house explosion Tuesday in Central City destroyed a home and severely injured the homeowner, as well as damaging several neighboring homes.

The Central City Fire Department said they were called to North Fifth Street at 1:20 am for an explosion.

Emergency personnel found the homeowner, 47-year-old Jimmy Bryant, in the street with significant burn injuries. 

The explosion also damaged neighboring homes to the point of several neighbors being displaced. Multiple homes surrounding the property sustained various levels of damage including broken windows and melted siding.

The preliminary investigation by the Kentucky state fire marshal discovered that a large quantity of gasoline was dispensed inside the home, which was ignited resulting in the explosion.

Bryant was taken to a trauma center for treatment of injuries.