UPDATE: Investigators are saying more about the explosion last month that flattened a home on Noel Drive in Gates.
The Gates Fire Chief says an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the County Fire Bureau determined that the explosion was the result of an accumulated concentration of natural gas inside the home.
However, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause of the explosion and fire because of the extent of the damage.
The explosion December 9th destroyed the home and damaged homes next door, but no one was hurt.
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Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode says it was likely a gas explosion that destroyed a house on Noel Drive in Gates yesterday evening. He says the question RG&E experts are working to solve is -- where did the leak take place, and how did the gas ignite? He says some 50 utility employees were on Noel Drive today checking the gas mains and lines to individual homes, making sure there were no underground leaks that might threaten homes.
The chief says the house was in the process of being sold and was closed up at the time of the explosion, helping prevent anyone from being hurt. The occupants moved out a week ago.
VanBrederode also asked people to please not drive through the neighborhood to view the explosion site.