One person was airlifted to an area hospital after an explosion inside a home in Ralph, Alabama Friday afternoon, police have confirmed.

Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said his investigators were alerted to an explosion and fire inside a home on Shiloh Road in Ralph near the Greene County Line.

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Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread
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The VCU investigates all violent crimes, homicides and deaths that occur outside of a hospital setting in the county, and Kennedy said they are responding to the fire as a precaution. Their presence does not necessarily mean foul play was involved in the explosion or fire.

Kennedy said because the house was in a rural area, the victim, a 77-year-old woman, in this case was airlifted to an area hospital for treatment.

"At this time victim has been airlifted to hospital," Kennedy said. "Victim reported during transport that they were attempting to light the pilot light in the oven. VCU will work case in conjunction with state Fire Marshall’s office due to the seriousness of the victim's injuries and unknown prognosis. No immediate signs of foul play or criminal act."

There was no information available about the victim's condition at 2:15 Friday afternoon.

A neighbor sent in a video to the Tuscaloosa Thread shortly after the explosion.

Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread
Stephen Dethrage, Tuscaloosa Thread
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A spokesperson for the Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue service said they are not responding to the fire because it is outside their service area, but said several volunteer departments are on the scene.

This is a breaking, developing story. Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates as they become available.

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