A massive explosion that obliterated a residence in Butler County claimed the lives of two residents within the home.
Danny Batchelor, 67, and Diana Baker, 77, both died in the private residence that was destroyed. According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, both individuals lived together and Batchelor was there to assist Baker.
“Both individuals would have died as a result of the explosion,” Akers noted. “It would have been immediate.”
Emergency personnel at the scene initially said no ones was believed to be in the residence at the time of the explosion. Multiple firefighters used two hoses to contain the fire, while deputies with the Butler County Sheriff’s Department secured the scene. After first responders had been on the scene and controlled the remaining fires, the bodies were discovered.
The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time, but propane is suspected. Eyewitnesses reported a mushroom-like cloud was visible to the east from Downtown Poplar Bluff shortly after the boom was felt.
The state fire marshall is investigating, and an investigator with the Missouri Propane Safety commission was also reportedly at the site.
This is an evolving story and will be updated as information becomes available.