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CACHE JUNCTION, Cache County — Investigators determined a propane gas leak led to the explosion of a Cache Junction home that killed one person and injured two more last week.
The home located at 5670 North on state Route 23 exploded about 6 p.m. on March 9 with three people inside. The home caught fire and was destroyed in the explosion.
Evidence indicates propane entered the structure through a leak in the fuel line system, Cache County Fire District Chief Rod Hammer said in a statement Monday.
"The propane gas pooled in the basement and the explosion occurred when the propane came in contact with a competent ignition source," Hammer said.
Hammer said propane gas is heavier than air and will pool in low areas, such as basements. He encouraged anyone who smells natural gas or propane in their home to call 911 and have the fire department investigate.
Hammer also warned homeowners of snow and ice sliding off roofs and damaging gas equipment. Meters, regulators and other equipment should be covered to prevent damage and possible leaks.
John Mullin was killed in the explosion. Another man, Joshua Mullin, was blown out of the home by the explosion and sustained burns on his arms, the sheriff's office said. Joshua Mullin was transported to Cache Valley Hospital with multiple burns on his arms, chest and face.
Rescuers pulled a woman — later identified as Caryn Mullin, John's wife — out of the house. She was hospitalized with multiple fractures and burns to her body and was transported to Ogden's McKay-Dee Hospital for additional care.
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