COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - Coldwater fire investigators say a failed propane gas line to a furnace created a leak in the crawl space beneath a cottage home at Doves Landing this week leading to an explosion and fire that leveled the structure Tuesday afternoon.

It’s believed the leak lasted between 16 and 24 hours before an unknown ignition source sparked the blast in Girard Township that injured Steve Conklin, who was doing work on a computer in the cottage when the incident occurred. Conklin, who lives across the street, received burn injuries to his hands, arms and upper body but didn’t have to be hospitalized. Two additional homes on either side of that residence also sustained damage.