News Summary
A house explosion in Manteo caused significant damage and injured one person. The explosion, which occurred in the afternoon, prompted a rapid response from the local fire department and resulted in additional units being called in to control the blaze. The cause of the explosion is under investigation, leaving residents concerned about their safety.
Manteo, N.C. – A house explosion rocked a residential neighborhood in Manteo on Friday afternoon, injuring one person and causing significant fire damage to the surrounding area. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m., prompted multiple 911 calls, leading the Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department to respond swiftly to the scene.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found the house completely engulfed in flames. An adult victim was injured in the incident and was airlifted to Norfolk General Hospital after being initially transported to Dare County Airport for medical assistance. The severity of the injuries has not been disclosed.
The explosion and subsequent fire destroyed three vehicles and one boat parked on the property. Additionally, a neighboring home sustained minor damage as a result of the blast. The intensity of the explosion shook the surrounding neighborhood, alarming residents who witnessed the rapid spread of the fire.
Due to the urgency of the situation, Dare County fire officials issued a second alarm, which prompted additional fire units to respond from various nearby locations, including Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Colington, and Manns Harbor. Fire crews worked diligently to contain the blaze and prevent it from extending into nearby wooded areas. Their efforts paid off, as the fire was brought under control approximately one hour after the initial response, although residual flames continued to smolder. The last firefighting units left the scene at approximately 9:17 p.m.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Authorities from the Dare County Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the Sheriff’s Office, are collaborating with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the State Fire Marshal to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion.
Residents in the area have expressed concern and offered their prayers for the injured individual. The incident has left many in the community shaken, as they reflect on the potential devastation that could have occurred if the explosion had affected more homes or caused additional injuries.
There have been no further updates regarding the condition of the injured adult or the specific circumstances of the incident. Local authorities continue to encourage any residents with information related to the explosion to come forward as the investigation unfolds.
In summary, the incident on Friday afternoon highlights the dangers present in residential neighborhoods and serves as a stark reminder of the community’s vulnerability to unexpected emergencies. Fire officials remain vigilant and focused on ensuring the safety of residents as they investigate the cause of the explosion and assess the ongoing risks in the area.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now
- Wikipedia: House Explosion
- Wavy News
- Google Search: house explosion Manteo
- The Coastland Times
- Google Scholar: House Fire Safety
- Wavy Video Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- MSN News
- Google News: North Carolina Explosion

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.


