Fire crews from at least five volunteer departments were on the scene Tuesday night after a house in the 3700 block of West County Road 350 in Shelby Township, Ripley County, exploded around 9 p.m. The explosion completely leveled the structure and blew the roof off.
Early Wednesday morning, around 5 a.m., the fire that had been largely contained rekindled, forcing emergency responders to return to the property. The New Marion Volunteer Fire Department chief confirmed that the individual initially listed as missing was found deceased. While officials have not released the victim’s name or age, they have confirmed he was a man.
Officials said the cause of the explosion remains unknown. The Indiana State Fire Marshal has been notified and is expected to arrive Wednesday to begin a formal investigation into the incident.
Response from Local Fire Departments
Volunteer fire departments from New Marion, Versailles, Osgood, Napoleon, and Milan all dispatched crews to assist with both the explosion and the subsequent fire. Their coordinated effort helped prevent the blaze from spreading to neighboring homes.
Community Impact
Neighbors reported hearing a loud blast and seeing a flash of light before the house was consumed by flames. The incident has left the community shaken, with many expressing concern for the safety of rural homes that rely on volunteer fire services.
Local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity or unusual odors that could indicate a gas leak or other hazard. They also reminded homeowners to maintain their gas lines and electrical systems to help reduce the risk of similar tragedies.
Investigation Ongoing
The State Fire Marshal’s investigation will focus on determining whether the explosion was caused by a gas leak, electrical fault, or another source. Findings will be shared with the public once the investigation is complete.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office or the New Marion Volunteer Fire Department.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
