CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A woman killed in a house explosion Tuesday in North Carolina has been identified as the wife of a Raleigh County doctor injured in the incident.
Dr. Jebran Karam, a cardiologist at Appalachian Regional Healthcare in Beckley, reportedly was buried under debris inside the house he owns in Charlotte, after the incident occurred but was able to call 911 and direct emergency responders to his location. He was airlifted to a Charlotte hospital with injuries described as serious.
The body of his wife, 58-year-old Rania Karam, was found several hours later.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare released the following statement Wednesday:
The Beckley ARH family is so saddened by the news of the Karam Family. He and his family have been a deeply valued member of our community for decades. I can still recall his arrival on the BARH staff in 1993 as a highly regarded, most respected Cardiologist. Over the years the investment of the Karam family in our community and the thousands of patients he cared for is unparalleled. He and his family are in the thoughts and prayers of the BARH family.
A hospital official told WSAZ Television the Karams purchased the home in 2015.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
Two homes adjacent to the property appeared to have extensive damage, and several residents said the force of the explosion left chunks of insulation and other debris on the roofs of their houses. A local news report said the sound of the explosion could be heard more than five miles away. Two people living in nearby homes reportedly were treated for minor injuries.
Piedmont Natural Gas officials arrived at the scene and shut off gas service for the entire street, though it is not known whether natural gas was a factor in the explosion and resulting fire. Several firefighters reportedly were treated for dehydration, as they were attempting to extinguish the blaze, while working in afternoon temperatures above 90 degrees.
Piedmont Natural Gas released the following statement Wednesday morning:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life. Our condolences and prayers are with those who are injured and who’ve lost a loved one.
Yesterday, our technicians tested and checked the Piedmont natural gas lines in the area, and no natural gas leaks on our lines were detected. We’ve determined the Piedmont natural gas pipelines in this area are operating safely. In an update last night, the fire department confirmed the area is safe.
Piedmont Natural Gas is committed to assisting and cooperating fully with the fire department and other agencies investigating this tragedy. The safety of this community continues to be our highest priority.