A house explosion in Calhoun caused an estimated $6 million in insured losses, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine has announced.

“These are the latest figures from companies insuring property in the blast area,” Oxendine said. “The most extensive damage is in the Saddle Brook subdivision.”

According to the insurance commissioner’s office, nearly 60 homes were damaged and eight families in the subdivision were left homeless.

“I’ve directed my staff to make every effort to work with consumers and help them through this difficult time,” Oxendine said.

Last week, Chief Deputy Terry Mills of the Calhoun Fire Department said authorities still believe the explosion at 168 Saddle Mount Drive was gas related.

“We have no reason to believe it was anything other than an accident,” Mills said at the time.

The Atlanta Gas Light Co. announced earlier that the lines leading to the house were not compromised.

A basement excavation was initially scheduled to begin on Monday, May 10 a spokesperson for Cotton States Insurance said.

Chris Anderson of Cotton States Insurance, a division of Country Financial said the company will begin digging up the area under the basement on May 10, and the process could take several weeks.

However, according to Mills the excavation was rescheduled for June 1 so that all of the insurance companies involved could be present. Mills said there are at least eight insurance companies that he is aware of.

A relief fund has been set up for families affected by the explosion. Calhoun Seventh-day Adventist Church is accepting donations to cover expenses for the families who lost their homes.

Checks can be made payable to The Calhoun Seventh Day Adventist Church Family Relief Fund and can be mailed to The Calhoun Seventh Day Adventist at Church 1411 Rome Road Calhoun, Ga., 30701.

Georgians can call the Consumer Services Division at 1-800-656-2298 if they have questions about a claim, or if they are experiencing difficulty reaching their insurance company.