By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
Investigators have ruled out an explosion as the cause of a fatal fire that killed the owner of a service station in Smithland, Iowa.
76-year-old Robert Jones, was found dead outside the building on Wednesday.
John Ticer of the State Fire Marshal's office says officials are still investigating the fire, but they don't believe it was caused by an explosion.
He says the explosions people heard were likely aerosol cans popping from the heat.
There are no signs of foul play.
By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
UPDATE: Authorities have confirmed that 76-year-old Robert "Bob" Jones, the owner of Bob Jones Service in Smithland, Iowa, was killed in an explosion and subsequent fire at the same location.
By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
UPDATE: According to the Woodbury County Sheriff, 1 man has been killed in the possible explosion in Smithland. Authorities were called by a person passing by at about 11:30 this morning and when crews arrived the building was completely engulfed in flames.
Right now the Sheriff's office is not releasing the name of the victim. There is still no word on the cause of the fire.
By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
UPDATE: The structure fire in Smithland is at a former gas station known as Bob Jones Service. We have a crew on the scene and have confirmed that at least one person has been injured. There is still no word on the cause of the fire at this time.
Check back here for more updates throughout the day.
By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
Woodbury County Sheriff's deputies are making their way to the scene of a structure fire near Smithland, IA.
Calls for crews came across the scanner at 11:20am. According to Woodbury County Chief Deputy Greg Logan, officers are en route to 202 Old Highway 141. At this point there is a confirmed structure fire. What is yet confirmed is that the cause is a possible explosion with one victim. Logan says they will know more once they arrive on scene.
We will have more on this story as it continues to develop.
