Massive gas leak fire destroys Matthews home, forces family to start over

MATTHEWS, NC — A family left in shambles after a explosive gas fire destroys their home.

It’s an image Kiara Espinosa and her mother, Ana Carreon, will not likely forget. A massive flame shooting into the air just feet from their home.

“It was a very scary moment,” Espinosa said.

Doorbell camera captured the moment a gas leak became a terrifying fire Wednesday afternoon on Morningwood Drive. The Matthews Fire Department says an underground gas line was accidentally struck during utility work.

Fortunately, Espinosa and the rest of her family were not home at the time.

Espinsosa, translating for her mother, says she didn’t know what was happening.

“She felt sadness because that’s her home,” explained Espinosa.

The flames burned for hours eventually making its way to the house the family has rented for more than a year.

Their pets made it out but the fire consumed most of the family’s belongings. Leaving Espinosa, her mother, and two older siblings with so little, she can actually list off what is left.

“I only got two pair of shoes, three pair of pants and five pair of shirts,” Espinosa continues, “my mom has her work clothes. I think, like three pair of jeans and a couple pair of shirts.”

To make matters worse, the single mother of three didn’t have renters insurance.

The family started a GoFundMe to help get back to baseline. Clothes, beds, blankets and so much more.

“She says, my brothers and I give her strength and she knows she has to keep moving forward even after this. And she knows that God won’t leave her alone after this,” said Espinosa translating for her mother.

Espinosa said some of her teachers have also donated clothes and gift cards. She tells WCCB she is grateful for all of the help from the community in such a short time.