An Oklahoma home explosion has killed a 14-year-old teen and hospitalized three family members. The Oklahoma City Fire Department reported that on Thursday, the fatal incident happened in northeast Oklahoma City shortly before seven in the morning.
Officials saw severe damage when they arrived at the scene. Later, they confirmed that four people were involved: three were injured and one died. The OCFD said that they transferred the injured members to a hospital.
OCFD Chief Benny Fulkerson told NBC affiliate KFOR how big the blast was. He said that it could have been heard for more than 30 miles away from the point of explosion. Neighbors said that the disoriented father was shocked when it happened. They said that he was plugging in a coffee maker during that time.
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Completely leveled home with debris all over
Based on NBC affiliate KTEN, Fulkerson said that there was no active fire when they arrived at the scene. He noted that what they saw was a completely leveled home with debris all over down the street.
The Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office has identified who the 14-year-old teen was to PEOPLE. It said that the young victim was Berklee McGuire. According to KFOR, her mother, Tanda, and brother, Hayden, both suffered burns.
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The teen's father, Shawn, was listed in serious condition in the hospital. The outlet reported that Oklahoma Corporation Commission with the Officials is currently investigating what happened. Authorities looked into preliminary information and had hypothesized what had caused the blast.
Propane leak could have been the cause
It is believed that a propane leak could have caused the fatal incident. It was installed from an uncoded line in a wood-burning fireplace. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration Enforcement Officer, Nicholas Nadeau, explained how the blast happened.
Nadeau suspected that a log lighter with an open valve has caused the explosion. He noted that any ignition could spark a blast if there is a propane gas vapor released into the home. Some examples of ignition include plugging a coffee pot or even turning on a light.
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KFOR and KTEN reported that apart from the family's home, three other houses from the area were affected by the blast. Those three homes also suffered damage from the tragic event.
The Governor shares his heartbreak
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt posted a statement on his Twitter account in the wake of the incident. On behalf of him and his wife, Sarah, Gov. Stitt is sharing his heartbreak for the family. He wrote that both he and his wife are heartbroken by the blast of a home in Edmond that morning.
Apart from that, they are also saddened by the tragic loss of a child. He also wrote that he is monitoring what had happened. Also, he has offered his full support to the investigation of the incident. He is asking people to keep the family and first responders in their prayers at this time.
