UPDATE -- Officials said the fire was caused by a space heater plugged in to an extension cord. One of several oxygen tanks, used by the homeowner, did have a rupture but no one was injured by it – though it did cause a minor explosion.
MIDDLETOWN — A woman in her 90's was injured after her oxygen tank exploded and sparked a massive house fire Wednesday afternoon.
Crews were dispatched to Mohawk Street near Wilbert Snow Elementary School at approximately 2 p.m. Upon arrival, they encountered large flames and heavy smoke billowing out of a home in the area.
Local residents told FOX61 the explosion rocked the entire neighborhood.
"All of a sudden, BOOM," said Thomas Stillson, a neighbor who witnessed the incident. "The whole house shook and I ran out the door... it was pretty bad!"
Fire officials said the elderly woman occupying the residence lived by herself and was alone at the time of the incident.
Investigators are working to determine what caused the oxygen canister to erupt.