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Fatal explosion blamed on propane leak

By Don Norfleet news@fultonsun.com

Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 4:56 AM CST

State investigators on Monday said a propane gas leak under a home caused the explosion, resulting in the deaths Saturday afternoon of Amber Smith, 20, and her 4-month-old son Simon Smith.

The home was located at 3809 County Road 144 near Calwood in Callaway County. Autopsies were performed Monday by the Boone/Callaway County Medical Examiner's Office.

The state fire marshal's office investigated the explosion Monday. Backhoe equipment was used to move the debris around to determine the cause of the explosion.

Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane said indications are that the explosion was caused by a propane gas leak under the home.

Crane said investigators found a copper gas line that had been capped under the house.

“There was corrosion near where it had been capped to branch the line to another part of the house. The corrosion indicates a gas leaked for a long time, and it gradually built up under the house. The explosion apparently was caused by a spark from the kitchen stove. They found a split propane pipe near the stove,” Crane said.

Crane said the home was owned by Delbert Smith, the husband and father of the explosion victims. He said Smith, who is employed by the city of Fulton, had left only a few minutes before the explosion.


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misshoneybee wrote on Nov 19, 2009 9:48 AM:

" It has been my experience that if you wear a low-cut blouse at MFA, you can get GREAT service! They will check or help you with anything you want! "

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boscoe wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:00 PM:

" I wish MFA would check my gas grill. It spews gas out of the rotten hose, but a little electrical tape fixes it right up. "

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pronuke wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:10 AM:

" pressure test with a water manometer when a company first puts gas in the tank, this means from tank to the appliances. All aplliances must have a shut off, and all tubing must be in code. And most important, anytime a customer runs out, a pressure test must be performed and all tests must be documented. If you are a company filling a tank for a customer and you have no documentation that you checked the system for leaks, then YOU, the company will have some liability in the case of fire, explosion, or loss of life! This is a kind of living bible for proane companies that have been sued in court. If you don't believe me, call MFA! "

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boxergal wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:43 AM:

" No, older home. "

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pronuke wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:16 AM:

" Well see Deeken. You have no idea what the propane laws and codes are! "

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ts20 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:47 AM:

" bet it was a moble home ..........????????? "

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ndnlvngcherokee wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:24 AM:

" If you run out of propane that company checks all lines before its allowed to be restarted. If you smell propane you are to call them and they will check it. If these lines were under the house the family may not even have known there was a leak. They may have had signs from flu like symptoms to headaches, muscle aches, it could of effect vision as well. So many think why didnt they smell it. If it started small they may have never realized what it was they were smelling. "

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boxergal wrote on Nov 18, 2009 4:08 AM:

" Please keep this family in your thoughts. This was a beautiful young mother and child. This family had already lost a son recently. Very sad. "

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jack deeken wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:29 PM:

" Why put blame on the propane company? Nowhere in the article does it say anything about the gas company being at fault.The HOMEOWNER is responsible for the lines and connections from the tank to the house. I feel badly for the family,but the propane company isn't to blame.Jack Deeken "

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boscoe wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:14 AM:

" Didn't they ever smell the leaking gas? "

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boxergal wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:56 AM:

" I want to express my sincere condolences to these people. I have propane and bet the company has only been out once to check things. Is this something that they should be doing yearly?? Or is this something they do while filling the tank and I don't realize it?? "

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pronuke wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:23 AM:

" It saddens every one that people are killed by such an avoidable accident. God bless the family of Delbert. And to the Missouri Propane company that failed the yearly pressure checks for these poor folks. Shame on You! "

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lovebug89 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:42 AM:

" This is such a terrible tradegy prays for the family in there loss and god heal there pain and sorrow in the days to come .Amen "

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