*update* Initial findings indicate a fire started in the kitchen. The explosion is believed to be caused by thermal runaway of a lithium ion battery. Thermal runaway causes the rapid release of significant amounts of flammable gas which, when ignited, caused an explosive over pressurization.
Eugene, OR. Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a reported house explosion in West Eugene Monday afternoon. Firefighters were called to 3747 Hawthorne Ave at 4:53 PM with callers reporting a house exploded and was smoking. Engine 8 arrive in under 4 minutes to find a fire in a duplex with the windows blown out. The fire was contained to one side of the duplex and 2 were rescued. There were no reported injuries and the cause is under investigation.