Propane tank sparks explosion at Greene home
Firefighters work at the scene of Thursday’s fatal blaze at a home in Morgan Township, Greene County.
Natasha Heinz/For the Observer-Reporter
Scene of Thursday’s Greene County house fire
Natasha Heinz
A propane tank triggered an explosion in Morgan Township, Greene County, on Thursday.
Emergency responders said a propane tank may have exploded at a Morgan Township, Greene County home Thursday afternoon, killing an 80-year-old man inside.
Officials said the man inside the 105 Creek St. home, who has not been identified, was using an oxygen tank.
Greene County Coroner Eugene Rush’s office did not release the identity of the man pending notification of next of kin.
Neighbors reported black smoke coming from the home just after 1 p.m. and it appeared that the roof of the home had partially collapsed.
Scott Adams rushed to the house and tried to open the door, yelling for the man who lived inside. He found the door was locked.
“So I picked up a sledgehammer and busted through the door. The smoke was horrible. The flames were right inside the door,” he said.
He tried to find another way inside, but was unable.
“I just wish they’d gotten the call that he wasn’t in there. I was hoping it was a good sign that the door was locked,” he said.
Jennifer Vouno also tried to help the man.
“We tried to bust in all the windows … in the back but the flames and the smoke were just too black. We couldn’t breathe,” she said.
She said the house was quickly engulfed in flames and the roof began to collapse.
“That’s the first thing you think of is trying to save somebody,” she said.
Chartiers Bottom is a close-knit community where neighbors help one another and keep an eye out for each other, she said.
“I always keep an eye out for him. We always keep an eye out for each other,” she said. “I think we all do here.”
A state police fire marshal is investigating. Several fire departments responded including Centerville, Rices Landing, East Bethlehem Township, Jefferson Township, Fredricktown and Stockdale.
Southwest EMS also responded to the scene. The Salvation Army also responded to the scene to provide assistance to the firefighters and family members.