American Fork, Utah – A tragic explosion occurred in a duplex in American Fork early Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of one woman and the hospitalization of another. Dominion Energy, the local utility company, is working closely with investigators to determine the cause of the explosion.
According to American Fork Battalion Chief Brandon Boshard, the explosion took place in the neighborhood of 100 North and 300 East around 6 a.m. Emergency crews arrived to find debris scattered and a fire in progress. Fortunately, the flames have been extinguished.
The duplex was significantly damaged by the explosion, with one woman losing her life on one side of the building. A resident on the other side was able to survive and was taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Surprisingly, a dog that was initially reported missing after the blast managed to survive and emerged from the building while rescue crews were on site.
Fire investigators are actively working to determine what caused the explosion. Dominion Energy has pledged full cooperation in the investigation, as they were conducting routine maintenance in the area, including at the affected address, the day before the incident.
The tragic event has left the American Fork community in shock and mourning. As both authorities and utility companies collaborate to uncover the circumstances surrounding the explosion, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the public and the integrity of the natural gas system in the area.
Residents in the vicinity are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or gas-related concerns to local authorities. The aftermath of the explosion serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by gas-related incidents and the importance of proactive safety measures.