Three residents escaped unharmed as firefighters worked around damaged utilities and a continuing natural gas leak early Friday.
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Three people escaped a Middletown house early Friday after a vehicle crashed into the residence, damaged a natural gas line and ignited a fire that firefighters could not fully bring under control until the gas supply was shut off.
The crash occurred about 2:30 a.m. in the 4200 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. Assistant Middletown Fire Chief Steve Ludwig said the impact damaged the home’s gas meter, creating a leak that fed the fire. The residence was ultimately declared a total loss, but officials reported no injuries among the people who were inside the house or among responding firefighters.
Emergency crews faced a complicated response because the flowing gas continued to fuel the flames. Ludwig said Duke Energy was called to deal with both electrical and natural gas hazards. Firefighters also needed to clear debris before they could safely reach the equipment needed to stop the flow of gas.
After the gas was shut off, the remaining fire went out relatively quickly, Ludwig said. Crews then worked to make sure the fire was fully extinguished and the area was safe. The utility damage and the need to control the gas supply extended the response beyond what firefighters would ordinarily face at a residential structure fire.
At least three people were inside the home when the emergency began. Officials said they were able to get out before the house became engulfed. The American Red Cross responded to assist the family after the fire left the residence uninhabitable.
People living nearby also were alerted as the emergency unfolded. Neighbor Amy Fletcher said police and firefighters moved through the area telling residents to evacuate. She described hearing a “boom” that shook her house after noticing the smell of gas.
The vehicle had two occupants, according to authorities. A passenger was injured and transported to a hospital. One local report described the injuries as minor, while later reporting said the passenger’s current condition had not been released. No further medical information was available.
Authorities said the driver left the crash scene but was apprehended shortly afterward. Police Chief Earl Nelson identified the driver as Destiny Miller and said she was later booked into the Middletown City Jail on allegations including operating a vehicle under the influence, driving under a suspended license and a marked-lane violation. Those charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
The crash occurred along Roosevelt Boulevard near East Street and about a block from Breiel Boulevard. Emergency crews remained in the area during the morning while utility work, fire cleanup and the investigation continued.
Investigators had not announced what caused the vehicle to crash into the house. The Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents, and authorities had not released an estimate for the property’s damage beyond describing the home as a total loss.
Author note: Last updated October 2, 2026.