State Propane Regulator Investigating Deadly Home Explosion In NE OKC

The Oklahoma State Liquified Petroleum Gas Administration has determined what could have caused a massive home explosion Thursday morning in northeast Oklahoma City.

The agency said the explosion was possibly caused by an illegal log lighter in the fireplace.

It did not have a 100% pilot safety shutoff and the pilot light went out. This led to multiple rooms in the home filling with propane gas vapor which as set off, said Nicholas Nadeau, safety code enforcement officer with the Oklahoma Liquified Petroleum Gas Administration.

The blast killed a 14-year-old girl and injured three others. The girl was identified as 14-year-old Berklee Maguire.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission was initially called to the scene, but later discovered the explosion was likely caused by a propane line which falls under the state’s LP Gas Administration.

Agency administrator Larry Snodgrass said he was at loss of words Thursday morning. Three investigators from his agency are on the ground working to determine what caused the explosion and to also rule out factors that may be unrelated.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of a family member and are praying for the comfort of those grieving and the full recovery of those harmed in this tragic incident this morning,” Oklahoma Secretary of Energy Kenneth Wagner said in a statement. “We are committed to fully investigating and understanding the cause of the incident in hopes of ensuring something like this never happens again."

Oklahoma City fire Battalion Chief Benny Fulkerson said neighbors jumped into action and began rendering aid before first responders arrived.

“Good people,” Fulkerson said. "Obviously, you want to believe as Oklahomans, as people in general, that’s what people are going to do, to step in when they see a need.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt said in a statement he and his wife Sarah are heartbroken over news of the fatal explosion.

“I am actively monitoring the situation and have offered our full support as the response and investigation into this incident continues,” Stitt said. “Please keep the family and our first responders in your prayers at this time.”