HALLSVILLE, Mo. – An investigative report has determined that the duplex explosion in Hallsville, Missouri, was caused by an accidental discharge of a gun into a propane tank, which then ignited with a lit candle. The explosion occurred on Jan. 17 in the 6300 block of East Tayler Court, resulting in serious injuries for a couple living in the duplex. The Missouri Department of Public Safety provided this information, shedding light on the unfortunate incident.
The report identified the occupants of the duplex as engaged couple Samuel Oller and Madilyn Fraiser, their daughter, and Oller’s sister, Elizabeth Oller. While Samuel Oller and Fraiser suffered serious injuries, the others escaped largely unharmed. The Ollers have chosen not to comment on the incident through their family members.
According to the report, Samuel Oller had been drying his boots with a small propane heater, and he had placed a live round in his gun while getting ready for bed – which is apparently his typical practice. Meanwhile, Madilyn Fraiser lit a candle in their bedroom. Samuel Oller recounted that he placed his handgun on the nightstand before going to bed and does not remember the exact events leading up to the explosion, while Elizabeth Oller described feeling the house shake and seeing the south wall detach before leaving the house.
Furthermore, the report revealed that the propane heater in the duplex had multiple propane cylinders, and Samuel Oller had not detected any propane smell that day, despite previous difficulties with the heater. These details provide a clearer picture of the events leading up to the explosion, helping to better understand the sequence of events.
The Missouri Propane Safety Commission has also provided important tips for ensuring propane safety, including using the right kind of heater and being mindful of the dangers associated with using outdoor heaters indoors. These guidelines serve as essential reminders for preventing similar accidents in the future.