NewsLocal News

Actions

Human remains found after explosion destroys Westminster home

Neighbor says home was previously 'burned out, boarded up'
knox court home explosion.jpeg
westminster home explosion knox court.png
westminster home explosion.jpg
police_lights_generic_20120220080350_640_480.JPG
Posted at 5:51 AM, Feb 22, 2022
and last updated 2022-02-24 21:03:33-05

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Human remains were found in the rubble of a home explosion in Westminster early Tuesday morning. A cadaver dog alerted crews to possible human remains inside of the structure later in the afternoon, according to the Westminster Police Department.

The Adams County Coroner's Office identified the remains as 51-year-old Duane Cameron Doyle.

The explosion occurred at a home in the 7700 block of Knox Court around 2:38 a.m. Tuesday, Lt. Brian Clark with the Westminster Fire Department confirmed.

When crews arrived on scene just minutes later, they found a single-family home was destroyed, according to Westminster EMS Chief Jeromy Hill. There was no fire following the explosion, Hill confirmed.

Two nearby homes and several cars in the area were damaged.

David Brand, who lives nearby, said the explosion shook everything, caused plants to fall over and knocked pictures off his walls.

"I originally thought a car hit my house," Brand said. "Then, I got to looking outside and I could see that the house was gone and there was smoke and debris rolling out."

Video from Blaine Leishman's home surveillance also captured the blast.

VIDEO: Home surveillance shows impact of Westminster home explosion

Brand said the home was "burned out, boarded up and had an 'inhospitable' sign."

Xcel Energy responded to the scene after there were multiple gas leaks as a result of the explosion. Crews stopped all leaks and secured the scene at 5:20 a.m.

Homes had to be evacuated as a precaution, but residents were allowed to return after Xcel reported utilities were under control.

The department is investigating what caused the home to explode. Crews were not able to sift through the debris immediately after the explosion due to hazardous conditions, according to Hill.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Reporters Colette Bordelon and Veronica Acosta contributed to this report.