MORESVILLE, NC — The father of Tennessee Titans cornerback Caleb Farley died Tuesday morning after an explosion destroyed Farley’s home near Lake Norman in Morrisville.
Caleb Farley’s father, Robert Farley, died early Tuesday morning, and one person was injured, according to Iredell County Emergency Management.
It happened about 12 o’clock on the Barber Loop Road near the Old Arborway. Investigators believe the explosion was an accident.
A press release from the Emergency Department stated that first responders were called to the home in Barber Loop after an explosion occurred. First responders found Christian Rogers, who was “getting out of the house,” and he was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Robert Farley was later found dead in the wreckage. Caleb Farley, a Maiden resident, was not in the multimillion-dollar house he bought for his father when it exploded.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the incident after practice Tuesday afternoon, expressing his condolences to Caleb Farley’s family.
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The Chopper 9 Skyzoom hovered over the rubble just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, and spotted several people wandering around the rubble.
Dominion Energy, which serves the home, said in a statement to Channel 9 that it had representatives among the first responders who showed up after the blast.
“We continue to work in coordination with emergency personnel on this ongoing investigation,” Dominion Energy said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life. Our hearts go out to the family affected by this event.”
[ ALSO READ: State investigated safety concerns at Anson County plant before explosion ]
“there is nothing left”
Erika Shields, who lives near the building, said she was blown away.
“It was no small explosion,” Shields told Channel Nine. “Everything just disappeared, it was there not so long ago and now it’s gone.”
Shields went to see what house it was after work. Little did she know that this was the house she said her friend Rogers was staying at.
“I am in complete shock and disbelief, and I try not to cry knowing this is his home,” said Shields.
Richards came out alive.
She said, “An angel on his shoulder is watching over him.”
Rogers was alert and speaking on Tuesday night.
Neighbors told Channel 9 broadcaster Ken Lemon the view of what was left of the house was unimaginable.
“I heard a big bang and almost a crash, a big crash,” said Pete Schwerger, who lives six houses away. “I turned to my wife and told her it sounded like a house exploding.”
The whole house shook, Schwerger says, and he felt the air “suck in.” He said he was startled when he walked down the street. He said that the entire incident happened in an instant.
“You might be sitting in your house in a minute and he’ll be gone,” he said.
Neighbors say the family has only lived here for a year. People remember their faces, but they don’t know them very well. However, some neighbors brought the family cold drinks and warm words.
“It’s terrible; I mean, there’s nothing left, it’s gone,” said Mike Reinhart, a neighbour.
Reinhart said he and his wife want the family to know they are in their prayers.
It is not clear what caused the explosion at this time. Investigators are still looking into the origin.
This is a developing story. check wsoctv.com for updates.
Video: The state investigated safety concerns at the Anson County plant prior to the explosion
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