Living in a hotel, residents start to put together the pieces after explosion

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Life after the blast is just beginning for dozens of people living in the Richmond Hill subdivision, just now starting to put together the pieces.

WISH TV spoke with one man, who explained the reality of this new normal for his family. Many people have been allowed to return to their homes, but others still aren’t allowed back.

That includes Tony Burnett, his wife, and their two dogs.

He lived directly across the street from where the explosion occurred and says their home is unlivable right now.

It may need to be torn down.

For now, their family is living in a nearby hotel. Burnett’s worldly possessions now fit inside a borrowed car.

“Other than a couple changes of clothes, a laptop, this is all I’ve got,” said Burnett. Their cars remain in the driveway and all their things are still in their home.

Burnett was able to retrieve some essentials for the first time Monday. “Looking at it, it all looks just overwhelming,” he said. “I’ve lost it every time I’ve talked about it.”

Burnett and his wife have found someone to take care of their dogs while they begin to move forward. They’ve also been fortunate enough to have been able to borrow cars to use while theirs are still inside the investigation scene.

“The response helping us out has just been incredible,” said Burnett.

He’s taking vacation days from work. His full-time job now is dealing with bills that still come, a mortgage, and insurance.

“My wife and I are talking about, ‘What do you do at this point?’ It’s going to be kind of hard to lay down in bed at night, and think, ‘This is the same place I was at, when that happened. When that explosion happened.’”

Because his home is right across the street from the explosion, Burnett says it’s still part of the investigation scene. He says he hasn’t yet been able to get an insurance agent in there, and isn’t sure when that will happen.

Amidst everything, Burnett says he's just thinking of those who lost their lives, and their families. He says he’s thankful their family is okay, and is grateful for the support extended by the entire area.

“We are so blessed,” he added.