Crime & Safety
Portland Duplex Damaged in Blast is Torn Down
Home was destroyed by propane explosion on Jan. 29.
A demolition company used a heavy wrecking tractor to tear down what's left of a duplex at 194-196 Summer St. in Portland on Tuesday.
The duplex was destroyed in a propane gas explosion Jan. 29.
Work to clear the structures came just over four months after the explosion and fire.
Find out what's happening in East Hampton-Portlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Portland fireman Lt. Todd Ghent, a 30-year veteran, suffered burns that required extended treatment and included a stay at the Burn Unit at Bridgeport Hospital. Ghent recently returned to work and and appeared at a town meeting two weeks ago.
The occupants were able to escape without injury but lost much of their personal possessions.
Find out what's happening in East Hampton-Portlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to a legal permit attached to a steel mesh fence at the site of the demolition, the company was listed as Demolition Plus of Bloomfield Connecticut.
The cost of the demoliton work was listed at $12,300.
A foreman for the work on Tuesday says he can't speak for the plans of the property owner, but he has heard a new duplex will be built with the same design.
At least three insurance companies were involved in inspecting the property after the explosion.
The building, a constant attraction to people passing by, was torn down in about one hour.
