ARRINGTON, Tenn. (WTVF) — A devastating explosion in Williamson County claimed the life of 69-year-old Janice Rhine, leaving her family and community in shock.
Crews from Arrington Fire and Rescue and Williamson County Fire Rescue were called to the scene on Wilson Pike around 2:30 a.m. Friday. Neighbors said they heard a strange noise, and saw the house had exploded and was engulfed in flames.
The explosion was heard a mile away, and debris was found on top of nearby homes, in trees and in the street. No other homes were damaged and no one else was hurt.
Jack Toon, Janice Rhine's younger brother, came to the home his family has owned since the 1950's and tried to salvage what he could from the rubble. Toon fondly reminisced about their childhood together and said they would make mud pies out of mud and water, and throw them at each other.
Toon sifted through the debris in search of family photos. He described Janice as someone who "believed in happiness," and her sudden loss has taken a toll on him. "I feel lonely. I wish she was still here," he said.
Authorities are looking into the possibility that a leaking propane tank triggered the catastrophic explosion. Officials said there is no natural gas service to that part of Williamson County. While there was a propane tank on the property, long-time family friend Cheryl Hughes said they haven't used the tank in years.
"There was an old propane tank, like one of the full-sized tanks that would supply the house," said Hughes. "They did use propane back in the day. The family had all that shut off 20 years ago after their father passed."
Hughes emphasized the tight-knit community would grieve along with Toon, stating, "A lot of the people that live here have been here for 50 years, and all still know each other and care about each other, so I'm sure he'll get a lot of love."
Jack acknowledged the road to recovery would be challenging. "It's going to take a lot to get back to myself and good shape again," said Toon. However, Toon said he takes solace in the fact that his sister left this world loved by her community. "She was a kind spirit."
Arrington Fire and Rescue is leading the investigation. The fire chief estimated it could take around 10 days to learn the official cause of the explosion.
