Officials won't speculate on cause of explosion

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - As the investigation into the deadly explosion on the south side of Indianapolis on Saturday night continues, officials were still not speculating on what may have caused it.

The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be discovered, though Rep. Andre Carson said Homeland Security investigators’ preliminary findings indicate it was not a bomb or a meth lab. Citizens Energy has said thus far they have found no indication of a gas leak prior to the explosion.

Monday, however, 24-Hour News 8 learned the family who lived in one of the homes that exploded may have noticed a possible gas smell . But Citizens Energy spokeswoman Sarah Holsapple said in an afternoon news conference that the gas utility never received a report of issues from homes in the area.

Citizens Gas: Timeline on tests unclear

Holsapple said Citizens have tested for gas leaks in the neighborhood, and crews are now testing lines that come from the homes to the gas main.

"We are testing the meter that was connected to the house," Holsapple said, explaining that the company is trying to determine whether there was an increased use of gas that may indicate a buildup of gas in a home.

Citizens was out in the neighborhood on Oct. 26 to read a meter but gas consumption was normal at that time, Holsapple said.

The last time the gas company was in the Richmond Hill neighborhood for repairs was in 2009, and it wasn't on the same street of the explosion.

Sunday, Citizens’ Gas reported the utility had not received any calls from the neighborhood in the past two days in regards to neighbors smelling gas. Additionally, Citizens Energy says there have been no records of gas crews being sent to either home for gas related problems over the past two weeks.

The Department of Code Enforcement planned two meetings Monday for victims, one was at 11 a.m. and the other at 6 p.m., both at Southport Presbyterian Church, 7525 McFarland Blvd.

Riggs: Public safety is top priority

Greenwood schools were on a two-hour delay Monday after the death of Jennifer Longworth, who had taught at Southwest Elementary School for 12 years.

How to help

Victims were also offered breakfast through 8:30 a.m. Monday morning at Southport Presbyterian, which has become a donation center. The Red Cross, however, notes that supplies are plentiful, and monetary gifts are the best way to help right now . If you want to donate, go to redcross.org. Gift cards to stores and restaurants can also be dropped off at the church.