Officials ID man killed in Madeira explosion, fire. He was using oxygen bottles for breathing; they end-up exploding, killing him.
Several injuries reported
UPDATED 7:05 AM EDT Jul 29, 2016
MADEIRA —One person was killed after an explosion and fire at a Madeira home on Thursday morning.
Firefighters were called to a home in the 7900 block of Sanoma Drive shortly before 11:30 a.m. after receiving reports of an explosion and fire.
Officials said Orville Cullop, 85, was killed in the blaze. The wife of the victim was found yelling for help in the front yard, officials said. She was treated for injuries at the hospital.
Two contractors working nearby made an effort to enter the structure, officials said, and suffered minor burns to their hands trying to enter doors.
Three firefighters also suffered minor injuries, officials said. Two firefighters suffered minor burns to the ears, and one was taken to the hospital for a heat-related incident.
Officials described the fire as stubborn, “venting violently from the front and rear of the ranch.”
Fire Chief Steve Ashbrock said they had flashover conditions in two rooms. “This is not a situation firefighters like to have ever. It is, unfortunately, a reality," he said.
“It sounded like fireworks was going off in the middle of the day," said Danny Pond, who lives nearby. "It was just a loud boom, followed by some smaller booms.”
Photos: Madeira house fire
