A house in Lafayette, Wisconsin, erupted in a massive explosion on Tuesday afternoon, leaving one man injured and trapped in the rubble. The incident, which occurred around 2:15 p.m., has left the local community in shock and raised concerns about the safety of rural homes reliant on propane gas.
According to Elkhorn Fire Chief Trent Eichmann, the man was the only person inside the home at the time of the explosion. Emergency responders, including deputies from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, arrived at the scene approximately 15 minutes after the initial 911 calls. They found the house completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the property.
First responders quickly made contact with the man, who was trapped in the basement under a significant amount of rubble. It took firefighters between 30 to 40 minutes to reach and extricate him from the debris. The man was then airlifted to a hospital by helicopter. As of now, his identity and condition remain unknown.
“It looked like when the house exploded, most of it laid down into one side of the basement, and that’s where the gentleman was found,” Eichmann explained. “Right now, he is the only one that we think was in the structure at this time.”
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, but preliminary information suggests that it may have been a propane gas explosion. Given that Lafayette is a rural area not serviced by natural gas, many homes in the community rely on propane for heating and cooking. Eichmann noted that other local fire departments reported hearing and feeling the explosion, indicating its significant impact.
“I’ve talked to a couple of other fire departments locally, and they heard the boom, felt the boom,” Eichmann said. Despite the severity of the explosion, officials do not believe there is a continued risk to the area at this time.
Authorities are continuing to search the premises and surrounding area for any additional victims, although it is believed that the man found in the basement was the only person inside the home when it exploded. The investigation into the exact cause of the explosion is ongoing, and officials are working to ensure the safety of other homes in the vicinity that may also be using propane gas.
Lafayette, located about 45 miles southwest of Milwaukee, is a small, tight-knit community. The explosion has undoubtedly shaken the residents, many of whom are now questioning the safety of their own homes. Propane gas, while commonly used in rural areas, can pose significant risks if not properly maintained or if leaks occur.
As the investigation continues, local authorities are likely to provide updates and safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, the community is rallying around the injured man and his family, offering support and assistance during this difficult time.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with propane gas and the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks. Homeowners in rural areas are encouraged to ensure their propane systems are in good working order and to be vigilant for any signs of leaks or other issues.
While the immediate danger appears to have passed, the long-term impact of the explosion on the Lafayette community remains to be seen. The resilience and solidarity of the residents will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the recovery process as they come together to support one another and rebuild.
Source: ABC, Inc., WLS-TV Chicago
