Authorities believe a copper theft may have lead to a house explosion in north Minneapolis Sunday morning.
Arson investigators told CenterPoint Energy that a gas leak caused by missing copper pipes led to the explosion at Russell Avenue and Golden Valley Road.
"There's nothing left of it. The roof has pancaked down," said Deputy Chief Dave DeWall of the Minneapolis Fire Department.
No one was seriously injured but debris flew into neighboring homes and across the street.
The four-plex had been vacant for more than a year.
Tiffany Chiestder was standing outside across the street getting ready to go shopping.
"Some windows came across the street," Chiestder said. "I think there still might be some glass on my arm."
Authorities believe the multiplex had been foreclosed on. A realty sign in front shows it was for sale.
"The listing agent may have wanted the gas back on in order to show that the furnace and everything was working. And as the weather gets colder to prevent the pipes from freezing," said Officer Sean McKenna of the Minneapolis Police Department Arson Squad.
Neighbors evacuated after the explosion are allowed back into their homes, except for one family whose home will have to be repaired before they can return.
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