1 injured in explosion in Hempstead on Christmas Eve

HEMPSTEAD, Texas – A Hempstead man was injured in a home explosion Thursday night, officials said.

At around 10:20 PM Thursday, Hempstead Fire Department firefighters were sent to a home in block 1300 of 5th Street on the basis of reports of an explosion. Upon arrival, units found the house badly damaged and on fire. Crews quickly put out the flames.

One person was injured in the explosion. Paramedics treated the victim on the spot before the individual was transported via Life Flight to a regional hospital.

Preliminary information suggests that the person came to the home to pick up some clothes. When he opened the door, there was “some sort of explosion,” said Dean Hensley, an investigator with the Waller County Fire Marshal’s Office.

A man at the scene said his uncle was the one who was injured in the explosion.

“My uncle’s house exploded,” said Luis Saucedo. “I just came here and found out what it was like and I was just really worried about it because my uncle lives there, my grandmother lives behind the house and my parents live up front. I don’t really know what happened, I just got stuck on this. “

Saucedo said his uncle suffered severe burns.

“My uncle was badly burned,” said Saucedo. ‘They said he was badly burned. They Life Flighted him and all, but the rest are doing pretty well. “

Arson investigators from the Waller County Fire Marshal’s Office are on the scene to determine the cause of the explosion.

“We measure debris,” said Hensley. “We look at debris, we take pictures, we talk to witnesses, so you know it takes us a while to get it all together.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family. Click here if you want to donate.