Demolition begins in Richmond Hill

INDIANAPOLIS - Dozens of homes damaged by the deadly south side explosion in the Richmond Hill subdivision have been slated for demolition.

Vicky Koerner's home is among the first targeted for demolition.

By the time fire trucks arrived the night of the explosion, Vicky Koerner and her family were out of their home.

Daylight exposed the extent of the damage.

"When the explosion happened, the house shifted," Koerner said.

Under city supervision, the Koerners were given one hour to pull out their valuables.

"We can overcome, we can overcome anything," Koerner said. "God pulled us out. He's not leaving us. He's not leaving us to fear the future or financial woes."

Finding a crew and scheduling the demolition work was made difficult because of the Thanksgiving weekend.

The cost of tearing down a house will be the responsibility of each homeowner and their insurance company.

The city hasn't heard yet from any demolition companies seeking to get the job done, but the Department of Code Enforcement expects a majority of the removals will occur in December, weather permitting.

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Demolition begins in Richmond Hill