Update/State Fire Marshal - Wood River Home Explosion
(Wood River, NE) – At approximately 9:16 AM CST, Saturday, March 2, 2024, Wood River Fire Department responded to the report of a residential house explosion at 107 E. Eleventh Street, Wood River with one occupant unaccounted for. Upon arrival, firefighters determined the explosion/fire had also caused significant damage to surrounding structures. Nebraska State Fire Marshal Investigators were requested to aid in the incident investigation.
State Fire Marshal Investigators discovered evidence of tampering with the natural gas system in the residence. Investigators have determined the cause of the explosion/fire at 107 E. Eleventh Street, Wood River, to be an act of arson. The deceased suspect was recovered from the basement of the residence late Saturday evening. Identification of the deceased and notification to the next of kin is pending by the Hall County Attorney’s Office.
Responding agencies included Wood River Fire Department, Alda Fire Department, Cairo Fire Department, Shelton Fire Department, Grand Island Rural Fire Department, Hall County Emergency Management Agency, Hall County Attorney’s Office, Hall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal Agency. We would like to reiterate that this incident was not related to the natural gas utility operator and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The State Fire Marshal Agency has completed their on-site investigation.
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(Saturday Release Hall County Emergency Management) - (Wood River, NE) - At approximately 9:16am, a home at 107 East Eleventh Street in Wood River, NE, exploded, destroying the home and setting fire to an adjacent home. Several surrounding houses, businesses and structures suffered major damages and nearly two dozen more homes experienced minor damages. One person was transported for minor injuries and released.
One occupant of the home at 107 E. Eleventh Street was unaccounted for Saturday. The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office, assisted by the Hall County Sheriff's Department. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident and have no reason to believe additional incidents may occur.
Firefighting and search & rescue efforts were led by the Wood River Fire Department and they were assisted by neighboring fire departments from Shelton, Cairo, Grand Island Rural Department, and Alda. Hall County CERT volunteers provided damage assessment assistance to the surrounding homes and community volunteers assisted neighbors with debris removal and boarding up doors and windows. The City of Wood River opened an Emergency Operations Center at the Wood River Fire Department and residents were assisted by the American Red Cross.
"The residents of Wood River can be very proud of their Fire Department and the efforts of the entire community in responding to this incident," said Jon Rosenlund, Emergency Management Director for Hall County. "I also want to thank the American Red Cross and local partners for assisting the residents affected by this incident." The Mayor of Wood River, Greg Cramer, declared a local state of emergency for the City.
Further questions regarding this incident can be referred to the Wood River Fire Department and the Nebraska Fire Marshal's Office.
