Body found in rubble of Medaryville explosion

Details

Published: Sunday, 17 May 2015 17:46

Updated

MEDARYVILLE – The body of a woman was found in the debris of a fire, following an apparent house explosion northwest of Medaryville Saturday morning (May 16).

The Pulaski County Coroner pronounced the victim dead at the scene Saturday.

According to a report from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department, the emergency call came in to Pulaski County 911 at 7:18 a.m., for a house located at 2505 N CR 1600 W. Medaryville assistant police chief Sheri Gaillard arrived on the scene at 7:20 a.m. and advised the residence was fully engulfed and according to neighbors was occupied.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the explosion, but a preliminary theory is suspected to be a propane leak. Fire departments from Medaryville and San Pierre responded to the scene. The fire was under control within an hour, but firefighters remained on the scene for several hours to extinguish flare-ups in the rubble. Much of the structure collapsed into the basement and was a complete loss.

A search of the residence was conducted using a cadaver dog and the body of a female was discovered. The identity of the victim is not being released at this time pending positive identification and autopsy by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

No damage was reported to neighboring structures, but two vehicles at the site were damaged. A family cat was located alive at the scene by Asst. Chief Gaillard and turned over to Pulaski County Animal Control.

Responding Agencies:

• Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office
• Medaryville Police Department
• Medaryville Fire Department
• San Pierre Fire Department
• Pulaski County EMS
• Pulaski County Coroner’s Office
• Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office
• Pulaski County Animal Control
• Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office
• Jasper County REMC