Families find shelter after explosion

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Authorities have started allowing families to move back into the neighborhood.

One father of 5 says he will move his family back to their home Tuesday night.

Za Thang spent the past few days at a relatives house across the street from his Richmond Hills neighborhood.

Thang and his wife moved to Indianapolis from Western Burma 3 years ago. He speaks little English. Through an interpreter, he described how the blast blew him and his wife out of bed.

“We were thrown onto the floor. The explosion was so powerful” said Thang. “I feel that our house moved 2 feet from where we were at.”

The Thangs live 6 doors down from the two homes that were destroyed late Saturday night.

Za says after the explosion he headed outside to see what had happened. He watched as enormous flames stretched into the night sky. Relatives were called and soon came and picked up the family.

Thang says the past couple of days have been "OK" since he and his family have had a place to stay.

The language barrier hasn't been a problem.

That's because his relatives and others in the large Burmese community that live on the south side have made sure Za and his family are receiving the help they need.

On Monday authorities allowed him to briefly return to his home to gather up some clothing and other items. It was the first time he had an opportunity to see the damage.

“Inside the house is pretty bad. When we walked on the floor there was a creaking sound and the window is crack(ed) and (there is a) hole. It looks like it is pretty bad” said Thang.

The Thangs have home insurance. Za Thang looks forward to returning home and beginning the process of getting things back to normal. He knows taking care of the home is one thing, but the neighborhood is an entirely different matter.

“I'm very sad. Very sad” said Thang.