News Summary
A severe home explosion in Manteo, NC, resulted in one injury and the destruction of multiple vehicles. The blast, possibly caused by a propane tank, occurred on Dogwood Trail. Emergency services responded swiftly, airlifting the homeowner with serious burns to a hospital. Neighbors felt the shock and offered their support to firefighters. An investigation into the explosion’s cause is underway.
Manteo, NC: Home Explosion Injures One and Destroys Multiple Vehicles
A home explosion occurred in Manteo, North Carolina, on Friday afternoon, leading to significant damage and injuries. The blast took place on Dogwood Trail at approximately 3:15 p.m. and resulted in the total destruction of the home.
One individual, identified as the homeowner, sustained serious burns from the explosion and was airlifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, which also resulted in the complete destruction of three vehicles and a boat parked on the property. Neighbors reported feeling the ground shake from the force of the explosion, with some initially believing it to be an earthquake due to its intensity.
Jordan Gutshall, a neighbor, witnessed the explosion and described seeing smoke rising from the scene immediately following the blast. Fire crews from multiple agencies were dispatched to the area, with a coordinated effort involving five fire departments from Dare County and Dare County EMS. Firefighters managed to contain the fire within one hour, but remained on site until approximately 9 p.m. to monitor and extinguish any remaining hot spots.
Community Response and Support
As firefighters addressed the blaze, community members volunteered their assistance. Local residents helped locate nearby fire hydrants and provided water to emergency responders during the operation. The support from the community was particularly strong, as the homeowner is well-known and respected in the area, prompting an outpouring of concern and assistance from neighbors.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by the fire marshal’s office. Preliminary assessments suggest that a propane tank explosion may be the initial cause of the incident. Fortunately, it was reported that a neighboring home only sustained minor damages due to the explosion and subsequent fire.
Emergency Response
The swift emergency response was sparked by several 911 calls from concerned citizens reporting the explosion. The coordinated effort by local fire departments and emergency services showcased the community’s preparedness in handling such unexpected crises.
Conclusion
This tragic incident highlights the potential dangers associated with household utilities and the importance of community support during emergencies. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for similar events, while the ongoing investigation will shed more light on the specific circumstances surrounding this explosion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Roanoke Island House Explosion Leaves One Injured and Home Destroyed
House Explosion Injures One in Manteo Neighborhood
One Injured in Manteo House Explosion
Additional Resources
- WTVR: Home Explosion in Manteo, NC
- Wikipedia: Home Explosion
- WRAL: Explosion Destroys Outer Banks Home
- Google Search: Outer Banks explosion
- WAVY: Fire from Propane Tank Explosion Destroys NC Home
- Google Scholar: Home Explosion Propane Tank
- Pilot Online: OBX House Explosion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Explosion
- CBS News: Person Hurt After House Explosion in Outer Banks
- Google News: House Explosion Manteo

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.


