House demolitions begin after Indianapolis gas explosion

IMAGE: Demolition work has started on the first of about 30 houses ordered torn down in an Indianapolis neighborhood ravaged by an explosion that killed a young couple.
AP Photo. IMAGE: Demolition work has started on the first of about 30 houses ordered torn down in an Indianapolis neighborhood ravaged by an explosion that killed a young couple.
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About 30 homes have been ordered to be demolished after they were damaged from the deadly gas explosion.

INDIANAPOLIS — A two-story home heavily damaged by a deadly Indianapolis house explosion has become the first of nearly three dozen homes razed in the neighborhood.

Brett and Nikki Cocherell stood across the street from their home Tuesday morning and watched as a large excavator began pulling apart their shattered home. The couple, who did not speak to reporters, collected a small section of bricks as a memento of their home.

Neighbor Mike Phillips spoke with the couple during the demolition. He says they were in relatively good spirits.

City building inspectors have ordered the demolition of 29 houses in the subdivision. Six of those homes must be demolished this week.

Four other homes will also be razed once an arson investigation into the blast that killed a young couple is complete.