Victims Identified in Excelsior Springs House Explosion Linked to Gas Leak

Excelsior Springs, MO — Authorities have released the identities of the victims who perished in a devastating house explosion in Excelsior Springs early Friday morning. The deceased are Oliver W. Campbell, 70, Katherine A. Campbell, 65, and their beloved dog Cinnamon, who resided in the home at 14406 Kimberly Drive. Oliver was a 1973 graduate of Excelsior Springs High School and Kathy worked for many years as a para in the school district.

The explosion, which occurred around 4:42 a.m. on August 23, completely leveled the Campbell residence, scattering debris for hundreds of yards across the neighborhood and igniting a fire that further complicated recovery efforts. The blast was so powerful that it blew open the doors of nearby homes and was felt as far away as Kearney, Mo.

After an investigation, the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed that a propane gas leak within the home caused the explosion. However, due to the severe structural damage caused by the blast, officials have been unable to determine the exact source of the gas leak or what triggered the explosion.

“Because of the force of the explosion and extent of structural damage, no cause could be identified as to the source of the gas leak or the ignition source,” the Missouri Division of Fire Safety stated. The explosion has been officially classified as undetermined for the time being, but the full incident report is expected to be available within 30 days, which may contain more information.

Adding to the community’s unease, first responders were called back to the scene of the explosion on the afternoon of Monday, August 26, after neighbors reported the sound of another smaller explosion and smoke rising from the rubble. Excelsior Springs Assistant Fire Chief Camron White said the source of the flare-up was undetermined, but Ameri-Gas was called to the scene to ensure that the propane tank was properly capped and secure.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, residents in Excelsior Springs have been on edge, with local emergency services reporting an increase in calls from citizens concerned about the smell of gas in their homes. To help protect against tragedies like this one, homeowners are advised to install and regularly maintain UL-listed flammable gas detectors in their homes, particularly near potential sources of gas leaks such as furnaces, stoves, and water heaters. If a gas leak is suspected, residents should immediately evacuate the premises, avoid using any electrical switches or appliances, and contact their gas provider or emergency services from a safe location.

Propane and natural gas are both commonly used fuels for heating and cooking, but they have key differences. Propane is typically stored in liquid form in tanks and naturally boils at a very low temperature, around -44ºF. Users of propane actually utilize the vapor from the pressurized liquid. Natural gas, on the other hand, is delivered to homes through pipelines and used in its gaseous state.

An important distinction between the two fuels is that propane is denser than air, so it tends to settle and pool in low places like basements, while natural gas is lighter than air and rises toward the ceiling. Because of this, propane detectors should be installed low on the wall, near the floor, while natural gas detectors should be placed higher, closer to the ceiling or on ceilings themselves, where natural gas would rise and collect. Proper installation of these detectors can provide an early warning of leaks, helping to prevent potentially dangerous situations.

In the days following the explosion, the normally quiet neighborhood on Kimberly Drive has been overwhelmed by a surge of onlookers. Many residents have expressed frustration over the flood of gawkers, with some neighbors reporting that vehicles and spectators have been driving into the neighborhood late into the night, with some even pulling into the Campbell’s driveway to shine their headlights on the damage for a better look.

“It’s been very upsetting for the neighborhood,” said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. People are treating this like some kind of attraction, but this was a tragedy, and it’s been very hard on everyone who lives here.”

For now, the public is being urged to respect the residents’ privacy and allow the family and the neighborhood time to heal in the wake of this tragic event.

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Victims Identified in Excelsior Springs House Explosion Linked to Gas Leak

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