Investigators have announced that an accidental natural gas explosion, originating within the interior of the building, caused the house explosion at 1814 East Sixth Avenue. Darrell and Terry Bontrager, both of Emporia, were identified as victims of the fire.

The explosion occurred shortly before 5:00 p.m. on June 18. Within minutes of the blast, the roof of the home had collapsed and it was fully engulfed in fire.

The explosion was jointly investigated by the Emporia Fire Department, Emporia Police Department, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. In a release, the Emporia Fire Department stated that it offered its deepest condolences to family and friends affected by the tragedy. No further updates regarding the fire are expected to be released.

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