DETROIT -- Fire officials say a jury-rigged gas line into a home on Detroit's east side might have caused Saturday's explosion that ripped through two houses and injured five people.

One home was destroyed and a nearby vacant house was flattened by the explosion, which shook the neighborhood, damaged cars and shattered windows for blocks.

Inside the house, Tatiand Russell, her three children and a family friend were asleep.

"It is unbelievable that there were survivors," senior fire engine operator Ross Baumann said.

Russell, who is recovering at Detroit Receiving Hospital, told Local 4 that although she is left with nothing now, she is thankful for her survival and that of her family.

"The Lord is going to make a way for us to recover," she said during a telephone interview.

The most seriously injured is Russell's daughter Niana, 4, who is listed in critical but stable condition at Children's Hospital. All the victims suffered second- and third-degree burns.

Anyone willing to help the victims can call family contact Vivian Avner at 313-478-6872.