[AnAmericanMother]

With construction ongoing in the area, I would put money on a backhoe nicking a gas line, a slow leak, and subsequent explosion from a pilot light or spark.

Gas leaks can cause some serious devastation. I investigated one once that resulted in the roof of a single family home being blown completely off and landing in a nearby yard. And all the doors and windows were blown out a considerable distance - the front door was sitting on the curb when the firemen arrived.

Turned out it was a deliberate leak for purposes of arson . . . but that's another story!

[Roccus]

Doubt heavy equipment involved, more'n likely a "reno" job. (read; day laborers)

[Guenevere]

I can't even wrap my brain around the amount of lawsuits and money connected if someone with a backhoe nicked a gas line, and caused this.