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Following the massive explosion at the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing facility late last month in northwest Houston which killed two people, several homes and businesses in the immediate area also suffered serious damage. One of those included Houston Corvette Service which says 17 vintage Corvettes worth $1 million may have to be written off.
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Gordon Andrus, the owner, said that two of his four buildings - situated across the street from where the blast occurred - were destroyed and that several Chevrolets housed in them have been wrecked too.
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The explosion, likely caused by an electric spark that ignited a propylene leak, is still under investigation. The early morning explosion was so powerful it affected over 450 homes and businesses.
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The shop, a self-described "full-service restoration and preservation workshop" works on a variety of classic Chevrolets from the C3 generation, 1957 Corvette Fuel Roadster to a 1972 LS5 454 Red Chevelle.
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"The rest of street had very minor damage, but my two buildings are flattened," Andrus said.
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Along with the cars that were being serviced for clients, several of his own were trapped under rubble at the 3,000 square-foot complex.
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"Every car is insured, and we're in the business of repairing and restoring cars," he said. "We will make it right one way or another."
Image Credit: Corvette Houston Service/Facebook