A boiler exploded and blew out the side of a West Hempstead house Friday.

One woman was asleep in her bed in the next room when the explosion occurred. Despite the shakeup, she escaped injury.

Fire officials believe the boiler might have run out of water, which created steam that the boiler couldn't physically contain. Another theory being circulated was that the boiler was being repaired, and it blew when the repairman left to get parts.

Meanwhile, the Town of Hempstead condemned the house as unsafe for occupancy. The town issued at least five summonses for illegal use. The summons cited at least one illegal apartment.

The Red Cross said it is supplying temporary shelter for residents at a nearby hotel.