BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — A propane tank explosion rocked Donnie Clifton’s home on Maine Avenue, captured on security cameras as his family narrowly escaped the blaze.
The fire erupted late Wednesday night while Clifton and his family were asleep. A cigarette, extinguished in a container on the back porch, reignited hours later, leading to the fire that caused the propane tank to explode.
“Just to know that my family’s safe. number one, I’m grateful for that,” said Clifton, who managed to evacuate his daughter, father, and wife before the explosions.
Clifton’s security camera recorded the intense flames, though without sound, while a neighbor’s camera four blocks away captured the sound of the explosion. Clifton described the experience, noting, “You could feel the percussion come through. I mean it was like it just shook.”
Thanks to Clifton’s quick actions and the prompt arrival of firefighters, further explosions were prevented, ensuring the safety of his family and neighbors.
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