Norwalk Couple Asks Community For Help After House Explosion

NORWALK, CT — After a Norwalk couple's home was heavily damaged by a propane explosion on June 12, community members have rallied together to help.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by the couple, Bertrand Simon and his six-month pregnant wife, Mamata, had only owned their Deepwood Lane home for a month before the explosion, having purchased it on May 11.

"Mamata...and I woke up to the explosion and ran for our lives," Simon said on the page. "The amazing firefighters and first responders called our survival a miracle. We escaped with little physical harm to us and our unborn baby."

See also: Gas Explosion Blows Windows, Doors Off Norwalk Home: FD

• Norwalk House Explosion Caused By Propane Tank: Report

According to the Norwalk Hour, fire officials said a leaking underground propane tank seemed to be the cause of the explosion, which blew out a number of the home's windows and doors.

Officials said the tank had a hole in it, which enabled propane to leach into the soil and move to the home's basement and nearby storm drains, which was likely ignited when the water heater turned on, the Hour reported.

Simon said the home was left uninhabitable by the incident and will require extensive repairs that could take up to a year to complete.

"We have lost almost all of our belongings due to the fire and additional smoke damage," Simon said. "This will be a long and exhausting process (both physically and mentally) but we are grateful to still have each other and still be here."

The couple set up the GoFundMe page to help them get back on their feet and make a safe new home for their growing family. As of Thursday afternoon, the page has raised $6,520 in five days thanks to the contributions of 41 people.

In addition to their friends and family, Simon said he and his wife have been overwhelmed by the care and support shown by their new neighbors, most of whom they met for the first time after the explosion.

"Any contribution...is greatly appreciated," Simon said. "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

Those who wish to donate to the couple's page can do so here.

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