MEC&F Expert Engineers : FIRE THAT KILLED WESTERN IOWA COUPLE CAUSED BY BROKEN GAS LINE IN HOUSE. THE DEAD COUPLE WAS HANGING CLOTHS ON THE GAS LINE, CAUSING IT TO RUPTURE

Thursday, February 5, 2015

FIRE THAT KILLED WESTERN IOWA COUPLE CAUSED BY BROKEN GAS LINE IN HOUSE. THE DEAD COUPLE WAS HANGING CLOTHS ON THE GAS LINE, CAUSING IT TO RUPTURE




 

FIRE THAT KILLED WESTERN IOWA COUPLE CAUSED BY BROKEN GAS LINE IN HOUSE.  THE DEAD COUPLE WAS HANGING CLOTHS ON THE GAS LINE, CAUSING IT TO RUPTURE


February 4, 2015

ATLANTIC, Iowa — 

The house fire that claimed the lives of an Atlantic, Iowa couple was caused by a broken natural gas line in the basement, according to the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department.

Capt. Gene Schmeling said clothing hanging from the natural gas line in the basement apparently caused the line to break, sparking the fire on Wednesday evening. He said he doesn’t know what caused the gas to ignite.

The couple was identified Thursday as Paul and Denise McDaniel, both 57.
The fire began about 10 p.m. Wednesday in the two-story, remodeled home. Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames coming from the front side of the house. Crews battled the flames and entered to search the home.

Denise McDaniel was located first, in the upstairs bedroom. She was taken by medical helicopter to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, where she later died.

Paul McDaniel was found dead in the upstairs bathroom, Schmeling said.
A neighbor had called 911 alerting officials of the fire, saying there was a small explosion. The fire was under control within an hour, Schmeling said, but crews were at the house until about 4 a.m.

The front wall was destroyed and inside contents were badly burnt, Schmeling said.

The Atlantic Volunteer Fire Department was working with the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s office to investigate the fire.