Body shop explosion investigation continues

Investigators are working to determine why a garage suddenly exploded on the morning of Jan. 31 in Jefferson City.

The blast happened at the Lomo Drive location of Xtreme Body & Paint and injured the business’ owner, Chris Russell.

A GoFundMe campaign for the Russell Family was set up that day and has since reached more than twice its goal of $5,000.

Meanwhile, inspectors from insurance companies and the Missouri Propoane Safety Commission have been investigating the scene of the explosion.

“At this point, we have not found any leaks in the propane units,” said Denny Carroll, executive director of the commission.

Carrol said his office is mostly acting in an advisory role during the investigation and that it hasn’t definitively determined whether propane or methane gas fueled the blast.

Carrol also said his office has been in contact with lawyers representing Xtreme Body & Paint and those representing MFA Oil, the company’s propane distributor.

MFA Oil released a statement to ABC 17 News Wednesday afternoon:

“We extend our thoughts and prayers to the individual involved in the incident at Xtreme Body and Paint. An investigation is underway and MFA Oil Company is working closely with the authorities to determine the cause of the accident.”

Gary Vanderfeltz, a manager at Xtreme, told ABC 17 News that the company has hired a lawyer and will not comment further on the investigation.

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