The blast sent a home in Springs up in flames within minutes on Wednesday night, July 22, firefighters told the East Hampton Press. The victims were identified in a GoFundMe as a woman named Diana, her husband, and their two dogs.
“A devastating explosion and fire destroyed their home in Springs, leaving them without a place to live and without their belongings,” organizer Beth Felsen wrote in the GoFundMe. “In an instant, they lost not only their house but also every item they owned, and now must navigate the aftermath of this tragedy.”
The fire call came in shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday, the East Hampton Press reported. The house exploded just a couple days after switching from oil to propane heat, Springs Fire Chief Brendon Prado told the outlet.
The two home occupants were hospitalized for treatment, according to the Press.
“As Diana and her family work to recover from losing their home, Diana was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and will need to undergo surgery and treatment,” Felson wrote in the fundraiser. “This diagnosis has added another layer of challenge to an already overwhelming situation, making support from the community more important than ever.”
Launched on Thursday, July 23, the GoFundMe had already raised more than $49,000 toward a $75,000 goal by Friday, July 24. It was also shared online by East Hampton Mayor Jerry Larsen, who was the first donor, according to GoFundMe tracking.
To view the fundraiser, click here.
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