Two Dead in Excelsior Springs House Explosion
/***UPDATE 08/26/24***
The deceased victims in this incident have been identified as 70-year-old Oliver W. Campbell and 65-year-old Katherine A. Campbell. Both lived at the house at 14406 Kimberly Dr.
The Sheriff’s Office recieved notification from the Missouri State Fire Marshall about the explosion that stated, “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 classified the explosion as undetermined.”
***
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office located two bodies in the rubble of a home that exploded in the early morning hours of Friday, August 23, in rural Excelsior Springs. Investigators believe they have recovered the bodies of the residents of the home.
The blast could be felt and seen for many miles and blew open the doors of neighbors’ houses.
The Sheriff’s Office started receiving calls at 4:42 am, about a house that exploded in the 14400 block of Kimberly Drive. When deputies arrived on scene, they found the house was completely destroyed, and a fire was burning. The blast could be felt and seen for many miles and blew open the doors of neighbors’ houses.
Investigators have found no evidence of foul play. The Missouri State Fire Marshall’s Office is working to determine the cause of the explosion. Representatives from the Missouri Propane Safety Commission were also on scene.
No neighbors were hurt, though some reported damage to their homes.
The Medical Examiner responded to the scene, and the Sheriff’s Office will share the names of the deceased once their identities have been confirmed and next-of-kin notification is complete.
Brian Watts contributed to this story.
