A stolen hot water tank could have led to a house explosion in Youngstown and a criminal investigation is now underway, according to officials. 

Dispatchers got the call just after 10 a.m. Tuesday that there was an explosion at a home on the 700 block of Roxbury Avenue.

The first firefighter to arrive at the scene reported that flames had spread through a home and wires were down at a home next door. The home was leveled. A van parked nearby was also damaged.

Investigators say one person was hurt. It was a contractor who had just arrived at the home to do some work. He said the house exploded when he flipped on a light switch. 

Youngstown Fire Investigator Kurt Wright said a hot water tank was missing from the house. He thinks it may have been stolen. The gas lines were cut, which caused the house to fill up with natural gas. Anyone with information is asked to call the arson tip line at 330-782-0055. 

The identity of the victim has not been released. He was taken to Akron hospital's burn unit. 

  Viewer submitted