The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has provided updates regarding the house explosion that occurred in rural Excelsior Springs on the morning of Friday, August 23. The incident resulted in two fatalities.
The victims have been identified as Oliver Campbell, 70, and Katherine Campbell, 65. The couple resided in the home located on Kimberly Drive.
According to the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, a gas leak was confirmed at the residence. However, due to the intensity of the explosion and the extensive structural damage, the office was unable to determine the exact cause of the gas leak or identify an ignition source. As a result, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety has classified the explosion as undetermined.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office previously reported that deputies arrived at the scene on August 23 to find the house destroyed and a fire still burning. Upon further investigation, deputies and firefighters discovered two bodies amidst the rubble.
