Neighbors badly injured by Plano house explosion receive outpouring of community support

A family of five that lives next door to the Plano home that exploded last week are thankful to be alive — and for the support they’ve received from the community, WFAA-TV (Channel 8) reported.

Jennifer and Philip Jagielski and their three children were badly injured when an explosion flattened a neighbor’s home and caused extensive damage to theirs. Another home also was badly damaged and the blast shattered windows throughout the neighborhood near Ohio Drive and West Park Boulevard.

The man who lived at the destroyed home in the 4400 block of Cleveland Drive sustained injuries so severe he was left “fighting for his life,” according to reports.

The cause of the July 19 explosion remains under investigation, but is believed to have been intentional. Additional details have not yet been released.

Jennifer Jagielski told WFAA-TV she was in the master bedroom with her son, Rhys, 6, when the explosion ripped off part of the roof and ceiling, revealing the sky above. The blast also sent debris raining down throughout their home.

All five members of the family were treated at area hospitals for their injuries, The Dallas Morning News previously reported.

Part of their healing has included the recovery of a heirloom — a family piano — that has been passed down through generations. The piano was buried under debris from the blast but survived intact, according to WFAA-TV.

Jagielski told the TV station the family will need the memories and the music the piano provides “more than ever,” as they continue to heal.

A GoFundMe page started by friends of the Jagielski’s had raised $36,221 as of early Monday morning. The money will be used to help offset the cost of medical bills, clothing, toiletries and other items, according to the page.

Jagielski told WFAA-TV she wishes she could personally thank everyone who has helped.