A man and a woman in their late 70s were killed Sunday morning in an explosion that destroyed a North Georgia home, officials said.
Ralph Norris Wood and Peggy Wood were both found dead inside of the 26-year-old Blairsville home after it was destroyed by the massive blast, according to the state fire marshal’s office.
The explosion burst through the home on Pauline Lane about 8 a.m., according to the Union County fire department. The blast “totally destroyed” the home and damaged other houses nearby, officials said.
Ralph Wood, 78, and Peggy Wood, 77, were both inside the home when it caught on fire, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said.
The victims’ bodies were taken to the GBI’s Crime Lab for an autopsy.
“Due to the severity of the explosion, it could be up to several weeks before the cause is determined,” King said.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with audio or video footage of Sunday morning’s home explosion to come forward with that evidence.
“Our investigators are working around the clock to determine the cause of this incident and any new audio or video could prove instrumental to these efforts,” King said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 1-800-282-5804.
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