On November 19, tragedy struck the quiet town of Bethel, Ohio, when a powerful house explosion claimed the lives of two individuals and left another injured. The blast occurred around 8:44 a.m. at a single-story ranch home on Vic Joy Drive, sending shockwaves throughout the neighborhood and scattering debris across the area, as confirmed by Bethel-Tate Fire Chief Christopher Cooper.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. A video captured by a neighboring doorbell camera shows the moment of the explosion, with debris shooting high up and flames engulfing the structure. Upon arrival, firefighters faced immediate challenges, battling heavy fire and sifting through significant wreckage. Chief Cooper reported, “It was a large explosion which had sent debris across the neighborhood.” Fire crews reported having the fire under control within approximately 45 minutes, aided by four mutual aid departments.
Unfortunately, the aftermath was grim. Fire officials confirmed the deaths of both victims, later identified as 77-year-old Barry Stone and 52-year-old Helen Evans. While authorities did not disclose the exact relationship between the two, reports indicate they were residents of the home. A third individual, who had been working on the house's furnace at the time of the explosion, managed to escape with significant burn injuries and was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment. His current condition remains unclear.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing events. Local resident Derrick Gullett, who was startled awake by the blast, described how he saw the survivor running away from the inferno, with his hair on fire. The survivor disclosed to Gullett, "I was working on the furnace when all... suddenly it popped and exploded." This account aligns with Chief Cooper's statement, emphasizing the home's use of propane as part of the investigation.
Local authorities have not ruled out any causes for the explosion. The Ohio State Fire Marshal's Office has initiated an investigation to determine what exactly led to this devastating event. Investigators were seen on-site throughout the day, returning the following morning when the fire rekindled under the debris of the home.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the explosion also caused minor damage to adjacent homes, though the full extent of damage to surrounding structures remains undetermined. Photographs shared on social media by journalists like Karin Johnson captured the scattered remnants of the house and the chaos left behind.
Residents expressed their sorrow and disbelief over the tragedy. Many characterized Stone and Evans as good neighbors, noting the couple’s connection to their community, including reports of numerous cats found deceased at the scene. The fire chief indicated the tragic toll of the explosion not only claimed human lives but also resulted in the deaths of many pets.
The incident has left the tight-knit Bethel community grappling with shock and grief as they work to understand the circumstances behind this heart-wrenching explosion. Community gatherings and support initiatives are likely forthcoming as residents come together to honor the victims consumed by this tragic event.
