Two houses burn in Spencer Saturday evening
Neighbors said Keaton house had an explosion
Adjacent Hardman house also caught fire and was destroyed
By Bob Weaver
An explosion rocked a house in the 300 block of High Street in Spencer Saturday afternoon at 4:15 pm, burning it to the ground and igniting an adjacent house, which was also destroyed.
Two other nearby houses were scorched.
Fortunately, no one was home when the explosion occurred. Sources at the scene said they had no idea what exploded.
A neighbor, who lives across the street, said he was awakened by an explosion and a few moments later saw flames coming out a window, a house occupied by Kathy Keaton.
The West Virginia State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause.
Keaton was later taken to the hospital after collapsing in the street, neighbors saying she was having problems with blood sugar.
The adjacent house which burned was occupied by Mary Hardman. It was not clear if she was at home when the fire erupted.
Most of Hardman's house was destroyed with her belongings.
She has lived in the house for seven years.
High Street runs parallel to Market Street, not far from downtown
Spencer.
Firemen remained on scene battling blaze Saturday night ...
... fire departments from Spencer, Reedy, Walton and Gandeeville remained on scene Saturday night
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