Propane gas leak cause of explosion that killed one, injured nine others

Story was updated to include the name of the deceased and condition of the remaining nine victims

WYATT, Mo. — A house explosion Monday morning in Wyatt, Missouri, has left one dead and several more injured.

According to Charleston Department of Public Safety Chief Robert Hearnes, emergency personnel received the call of a house explosion with several people injured at around 7 a.m.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a house on the 500 block of Pecan Street in Wyatt had exploded and caught a residence next door on fire.

Charleston DPS assisted the Wyatt Fire Department in extinguishing the fire.

Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell said a total of 10 victims were located at the scene ranging in age from 6 months to mid-20s. All the victims were transported to medical facilities for medical treatment as ambulances from the Mississippi County Ambulance District as well both North and South Scott County Ambulance Districts responded.

All the injuries ranged from serious to life-threatening.

Ferrell said at a local hospital, one of the injured, a male in his 20s, succumbed to his injuries from the explosion.

Tuesday morning, Terry Parker, Mississippi County coroner, identified the man as 23-year-old Corey Coleman. Parker added an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday to determine the cause of death.

The nine remaining victims are in different hospitals and burn units across the midwest. Ferrell said Tuesday afternoon that two of the victims are in critical condition and are “fighting for their lives.”

The other seven victims are listed in stable condition.

Ferrell added that investigators determined the cause of the explosion was from propane gas that filled the residence. The leak is narrowed down to the gas cook stove or a gas water heater.

Ferrell said it is unknown at this time what the ignition source that ignited the gas. The incident has been ruled an accident but the investigation is ongoing.

Ferrell also added the incident is not drug related and no foul play is suspected.

Ferrell extended a special thanks to Mississippi County Ambulance Service, Charleston Department of Public Safety, Mississippi County Rescue Squad, Wyatt Fire Department, Missouri Conservation Department, South Scott County Ambulance Service, New Madrid County Ambulance Service, Air Evac Service, and the Missouri State Fire Marshal Service for their quick response to this incident.