PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — A person was left severely injured after a home explosion in Pickens County over the weekend, fire officials said.
On Sunday, Aug. 18, Pickens County Fire and Rescue responded to a "devastating" fire with an explosion at a home on Hwy. 53 West near Ludville. When fire crews arrived, they saw heavy fire and clear signs of an explosion.
Firefighters deployed multiple attack lines to suppress the blaze, which proved to be an exhaustive effort. Temperatures also contributed to the risk of heat exhaustion among personnel.
Fire crews remained on the scene for approximately four hours until the fire was completely extinguished. Pickens County Fire also requested aid from nearby Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services to assist with the fire.
A follow-up report confirmed that one occupant managed to escape the house but sustained severe injuries. EMS personnel quickly began patient care, and the victim was airlifted to a nearby trauma center.
The incident remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the cause of the explosion.