One worker hospitalized after gas line explosion blows out duplex wall

Fire crews were still applying foam to a duplex in Loveland around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday after a gas line explosion sent a worker to the hospital with serious burns. The incident took place in the 3200 block of Trailside Drive, where the building is located in the Kinston at Centerra neighborhood near Interstate 25 and U.S. 34.

Officials stated that the worker was injured during a mishap while the crew was emptying a gas line inside the structure. Loveland Fire Rescue Authority Assistant Chief Tim Smith confirmed that the man was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. The explosion blew out the wall on the west side of the building and caused a partial collapse of the roof.

A fire followed the initial blast, and the structure was described as unstable by the time firefighters arrived. Because of this, crews entered the adjacent home to attack the flames from the outside rather than entering the burning duplex. Smith noted that the fire likely erupted quickly and was already fully involved when emergency vehicles reached the scene.

The immediate area was secured once firefighters removed the remaining gas from the system. Smith indicated there was no ongoing threat to the community, noting that most surrounding homes are under construction and unoccupied. While some homes on the south side have residents, they were not at risk after the gas was cleared.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including ladder trucks from Loveland and Poudre Fire Authority, along with several engines. Thompson Valley EMS, the Loveland Police Department, Windsor Severance Fire Rescue, and the Berthoud Fire Protection District also attended the scene. Emergency vehicles filled the streets surrounding Trailside Drive during the response.

Three groups are investigating the cause of the explosion. The Loveland Fire Department and the Loveland Police Department will conduct a joint inquiry, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened its own separate investigation. Smith said he did not know the specific reason workers were emptying the gas line at the time of the incident.

Members of the Loveland Police Department’s Victim Services team spoke with several construction workers outside the building after the event. The workers declined to speak with reporters regarding their status or the details of the accident.