TRUMBULL COUNTY Explosion destroys Warren Twp. house

Officials said ammunition in the house may have caused additional blasts.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Warren Township and state and federal agents are investigating the explosion of a Wood-Lenhart Road home.
Officials say they are not sure what caused the explosion that destroyed the single-story home of Michelle and Robert Small, 2416 Wood-Lenhart. The explosion happened around 5 p.m. Sunday, firefighters said.
"It was just like an umbrella opening up," said Cruz Rosario, who lives across the street. "First the walls popped out and then the roof went up and then crashing down. I couldn't believe it."
The couple were able to get out of their home and talked to neighbors briefly before being taken to local hospitals and then transported to the MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Both were in serious condition Sunday night, officials said.
"He said that he was on his computer when the explosion took place," Rosario said.
Dog injured
Michelle Small didn't want to leave her home until she was able to rescue the dog, said Amy Wargo, 12, who lives three houses away.
"She got the dog and was holding it in her arms," Amy said. "The dog's fur was pretty much gone, and he had burns on his paws."
A neighbor attempted to take the dog from Michelle Small, but the dog bit the neighbor woman, causing her to go to the hospital for stitches, officials said. The dog was taken to the Animal Welfare League for treatment, firefighters said.
Michelle and Robert Small suffered burns on their arms and face, neighbors said.
"I just went outside to play, and I heard this loud bang; the ground shook," Amy said. "Me and my grandpa ran over, and we heard two more explosions."
Officials said ammunition stored in the house may have caused the additional explosions. The amount or type of ammunition was not being disclosed by authorities. Neighbors said Small was a hunter.
Bricks from the home flew into neighbors' yards, and part of the roof landed on the couple's car. A pickup truck and a satellite dish next to the home didn't appear to be damaged.
"There were some power lines down, so we couldn't move the truck," said Gary Rowe, who lives across the street from the home.
Investigating
Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control quickly but stayed in the area for several hours trying to figure out what happened. The gas company was also called out to turn the gas off, officials said. Also on hand were agents from the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives bureau, called in by the township fire department because of the ammunition.
Neighbors said the couple, who have lived in the neighborhood for about 10 years, recently had siding and roofing work completed on the home.
"It looked absolutely beautiful, brand new," said Leon Dodson, who lives a few houses away. "I can't believe this happened."
Quality Builders did the work on the home, and a man answering the phone for the company said the work had been completed about a week ago.
Several area fire departments assisted the township. The township's ladies auxiliary also provided cold beverages for the firefighters.
sinkovich@vindy.com