POLK COUNTY, Iowa --
Two neighbors rushed into a Des Moines home after seeing an explosion on Thursday afternoon.
The explosion and fire were reported on NE 27th Court at 4:25 p.m.
Neighbors said they heard an explosion and turned to see the roof raise on the home and fire shoot out of the windows.
Two men, Byker Mark and Steve Miller, approached the home not knowing if anyone was inside.
Mark said he heard crying coming from inside the house, so he broke through the front door. He said he found a man weighing approximately 600 lbs. inside. Mark said the man collapsed as soon as he got outside.
The men rolled the man into a nearby ditch and put towels on him. They said he told them there had been a gas leak in the home.
Mark said they continued to hear explosions inside the house.
The man suffered severe burns to his hands, chest and feet, said the neighbors. His name and condition are not yet available.
The house was described as fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Heavy black smoke could be seen coming from the area on DOT traffic cameras in the area near the east mixmaster.
Surrounding homes were evacuated as a precaution.
Multiple fire departments were called to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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