Terre Haute FD investigating suspicious church van fire

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

The Terre Haute Fire Department is investigating a suspicious early morning fire involving a reportedly brand new church van.

Crews were dispatched to Saints Home Church of Christ at North 13th Street and Lafayette Avenue just after 12:30 a.m. A Ford van was completely engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The church sustained some broken windows and smoke damage from what neighbors said appeared to be an explosion in the driveway.

Several members of the congregation, as well as neighbors, gathered as fire crews arrived at the scene.   A Terre Haute Fire Department arson investigator also was called to the scene.  Rev. Mark Blade and other church officials also arrived to assess the damage.
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One member of the church explained to Indiana Central News that the van was "brand new" -- noting the church had only had it for two weeks.

Ken O'Donnell said he lives nearby and heard two loud popping sounds, like firecrackers or gunshots, just before he saw the "sky light up" with flames. He said by the time he walked over to the scene, he could see that the van was on fire.