Video: Gas explosion blows home off foundation

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LAKEWOOD, Wash, -- A natural gas explosion that blew a home off its foundation Wednesday afternoon may have been a case of domestic violence.

The explosion happened around 3 p.m. in the 15,000 block of Washington Avenue SW, just across Interstate 5 from Fort Lewis.

"It blew up. We heard the explosion. The whole thing was up in flames," said 17-year-old Kristine Manues. "It scared me and my son. Me and my son were at that door five minutes before it happened."

When Manues walked into the home carrying her baby, she smelled gas and went next door.

Minutes later, the entire complex shook.

"I done so much cryin', I don't have any tears left to cry," said Manues, who blames her ex-boyfriend for the explosion. She says they've fought before and she had a restraining order out on him to keep him away.

Lakewood Police arrested the ex-boyfriend, who they say was spotted leaving the home by witnesses just minutes before Manues arrived.

"It could be just Arson 1 or attempted murder if he thought she was there," said Lt. Dave Guttu, Lakewood Police

"He better go away for a long time. I mean, he doesn't need to be out here. He doesn't deserve to be out here. He just tried to kill me and his innocent little son," said Manues.

Firefighters focused their efforts on keeping the fire from spreading to other homes.

Police say the ex-boyfriend is facing burglary and arson charges at least. The prosecutor may add attempted murder.

KING 5's Drew Mikkelsen and Jim Forman contributed to this report.