“Miracle”: Pickens County woman speaks days after explosion in her home

PICKENS COUNTY, Georgia. – A 62-year-old Pickens County woman still has a long road to recovery after her home exploded in early August.

Shelly Harlan has been in the burn unit at Grady Memorial Hospital since her home on Highway 53 West caught fire on the afternoon of August 17.

The woman was living in her apartment above the garage when she was thrown from the building by the explosion. A neighbor found her in the front yard after the explosion and was able to wait with her until paramedics arrived, McClure said.

Relatives told FOX 5’s Rob Dirienzo that Harlan suffered burns to 60 percent of her body and her chance of survival was only five percent.

Harlan was on a ventilator and unable to communicate for days.

On Saturday, Annie’s Restaurant, where Harlan has worked for the past four years, shared good news about her recovery on Facebook.

According to the restaurant, Harlan has been taken off the ventilator and can now speak. She has also undergone two successful surgeries.

“The fact that she survived the explosion is a miracle in itself,” the restaurant wrote.

A house explosion along Highway 53 West leaves a woman in critical condition on August 17, 2024.

Although her recovery is going well, her employer says she still has “a long road ahead” and may need to stay in hospital for five months.

The cause of the explosion is still being investigated by the Pickens County Fire Department.

Community rallies for Shelly Harlan after house explosion

Since the incident, the Jasper community has rallied around Harlan and offered support and assistance.

“The community has stepped up. Pickens County, we are small but we are strong,” said Rebecca McClure, owner of Annie’s Restaurant. She noted the overwhelming support from customers, friends and family, many of whom offered financial help and other forms of support.

McClure said she set up a checking account in Harlan’s name at the Community Bank Of Pickens County because that was the quickest way to get her help.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up to support her recovery.

FOX 5’s Rob Dirienzo contributed to this story.