Barlow, Mississippi – An investigation into a fatal propane explosion that claimed the lives of four individuals in Copiah County in January 2024 has been concluded by the Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of Loyd Star Attendance Center student Toler Jordan, his cousin Houston Jordan, Houston’s father Calvin Jordan, and their friend Jeremy Mitchell.
Toler Jordan, 14, was a promising football player, while Houston Jordan, 18, had recently graduated from the Reading Nook Academy and was a member of the Brookhaven Academy football team. Calvin Jordan, 43, and Jeremy Mitchell, 52, also lost their lives in the explosion. The State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the cause of the explosion was ‘undetermined,’ citing the extensive damage as a factor in the difficulty of pinpointing an exact cause.
Following the tragic incident, a lawsuit was filed against Hering Gas Company, alleging that the propane tank involved in the explosion was improperly inspected. Reports indicate that the tank was filled the day before the explosion, and the tragedy occurred the following day. The lawsuit contends that Hering Gas and its employees bear direct responsibility for the explosion and should be held accountable for the consequences.
The completion of the state investigation marks the end of one chapter in the aftermath of the Copiah County propane explosion, but it signals the beginning of a potential civil case in the future. The legal process is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and offer some closure to the families of the victims and the community at large.
As the community mourns the loss of these individuals, questions remain unanswered about the events leading up to the tragic explosion. The completion of the state investigation provides some clarity but also sets the stage for further legal proceedings to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The impact of the explosion reverberates through the community, emphasizing the importance of safety measures and inspections in handling volatile substances like propane.