A construction worker died Monday in an explosion east of Bassett that destroyed a new home under construction.
According to Bassett Fire Chief Jim Stout, at 8:33 a.m. Monday, firefighters were dispatched to a report of an explosion and smoke coming from the site of a new house under construction approximately 6 miles east and 2 miles south of Bassett.
Stout said, when firefighters arrived on scene, the home had been blown to pieces and was on fire. Firefighters extinguished the flames and initiated a search for survivors.
Stout said there was a victim found who had died at the scene. The man was believed to be a construction worker who was working on the house when the explosion occurred. Stout said the man was believed to be the only person at the site at the time.
Additional details on the victim have not yet been released pending notification of relatives.
While Stout said the exact cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s office, construction on the new house, owned by Monte and Stacy Strelow, was nearly complete and the house was hooked up to propane.
Additional details on the cause of the explosion and the identity of the victim will be released at a later time.
Fatality In House Explosion Near Bassett
