PORTAGE, Ind. (WLS) — The aftermath of Tuesday’s fierce storms has left communities across Northwest Indiana scrambling to assess and address the widespread destruction.
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Among the most serious incidents, a deadly house explosion, now suspected to have been triggered by the severe weather, has captured widespread attention.
Residents of Portage, Indiana, are grappling with a scene of devastation they’ve never witnessed before, marking this as an unprecedented disaster for the area.
In response, city officials have declared a state of emergency to expedite cleanup efforts and facilitate a thorough investigation into the explosion’s origin.
Witnesses recounted hearing a thunderous boom at the time of the explosion, which ignited a massive fire, consuming the remnants of the affected home.
Storm debris made it difficult to get to the burning home. Some neighbors tried to help put out the fire, but the flames were just too intense.
Meanwhile, the power is still out in places, some neighbors say they’re worried about the chance for more storms Wednesday.
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The Bonner Senior Center, located at 5800 Lexington Avenue, is open for Portage residents who need a place to stay.
The Northwest Health Center on Willowcreek Road is also open for those seeking shelter.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun will join other leaders to assess the storm damage in Hammond on Wednesday at about noon.
Schools in Valparaiso, Crown Point, Hobart and Gary announced they will be closed on Wednesday.
SEE ALSO | School Closings: Chicago Area, NW Indiana Complete List
Due to the power outages, Gary Transit service is suspended for Wednesday, including Access219 paratransit service.
In southeastern Indiana, a 4-year-old boy died after a tree fell on her home in Jennings County.
According to the Jennings County Deputy Chief Cody Low, a tree fell on a single-family home in the Geneva Township just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The home was located in a heavily wooded neighborhood.
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