Officials believe natural gas involved in blast

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Department of Homeland Security thinks natural gas caused the Richmond Hill explosion, the department said after Citizens Energy said Tuesday that tests show a natural gas leak did not cause the Richmond Hill explosion.

"Our investigators believe natural gas is involved. They are currently in the process of recovering the appliances from destroyed homes to help determine the cause. Based on the NTSB statement, our focus is on the houses and appliances," DHS Chief Gary Coon says.

Citizens announced Tuesday that they conducted a number of tests to determine if a leak occurred. Tests included a leak detection survey, pressure tests of the 2-inch diameter gas main, and functional tests of the gas meter at the home where the explosion originated.

Two people died and dozens of homes were damaged when an explosion hit the subdivision Saturday night. Officials are still working to determine the cause.

Citizens has yet to release gas meter readings from the home that would indicate whether an unusual amount of gas was used in the home. Although the company's lines had no leaks, an open valve in the home still could have filled a house with natural gas.