Watch CBS News

Gas Leak Blamed For Explosion That Destroyed Classic Cars

WELD COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – Investigators say a gas leak in a mobile home caused an explosion blamed for destroying nearly 70 restored classic cars in a large structure fire in Weld County.

https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/i/cbslocal/wp-content/uploads/sites/15909806/2014/10/photo.jpg
The aftermath (credit: Lauren DiSpirito)

Flames charred more than 60 rare, restored 1950s-era Cadillacs worth millions.

"It's terrible. It's a great loss. These cars, most of them were basically completely finished," said witness Kevin Arrick.

Weld County Explosion Fire
(credit; CBS)

A man working on the property heard an explosion and then the fire broke out. The fire destroyed a mobile home on the property and then spread to an old chicken coup that had been converted to a barn.

CBS4 was told each car was worth between $100,000 to $200,000. The rarest that was destroyed was a 1958 Cadillac that had been restored to its prime.

The man who owned the classic cars had recently made deals to sell some of the vehicles.

Weld County Explosion Fire1
(credit; CBS)

Firefighters have responded to at least three explosions in the area recently. Arson investigators are trying to figure out if there is a connection between the most recent explosion and the others.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.