1 found dead in house explosion
UPDATE: Fire officials say a body was found in the burned out home around 2 p.m. Columbia Police identified the body as that of Brian Keeney, 59.
ORIGINAL: A “significant explosion” was part of a fire that destroyed a home in east-central Columbia on Wednesday, though it wasn’t clear whether the explosion caused the blaze, a fire official said.
Columbia Fire Department Assistant Chief Brad Fraizer said investigators were able to confirm an explosion was involved, but they did not know whether it was the cause of the fire or secondary to it. Callers reported hearing at least one explosion at the home on Southwood Drive off Old 63.
LIVE PLAYBACK: Video from the scene is available in the player below.
Three people and a dog lived at the home but firefighters didn’t immediately know whether anyone was home.
The first units on the scene reported flames showing and heavy black smoke at the home on Southwood Drive off Old 63. The smoke was visible from the ABC 17 News station on Business Loop 70 E. Fraizer said the fire was completely involved when firefighters arrived.
Photos showed a massive cloud of smoke. It appeared only the home’s attached carport was left standing.
Fraizer said firefighters were initially concerned about the house next door being affected by the flames but firefighters were able to keep the blaze from spreading.
The cause of the fire and where in the home it started were not immediately clear.
Ameren Missouri crews shut off the natural gas at the scene.
Look for updates to this developing story.
