Minturn, AR — A Minturn man is currently recovering after experiencing a dramatic and fiery explosion at his home on Wednesday morning. The blast, which occurred while he was lighting his wood stove, left him with serious burns and rattled his small town community.
Authorities identified the victim as 47-year-old Jason Weber, who was transported to a nearby hospital shortly after the incident. According to Fire Chief Mark Turner, the explosion resulted from an accumulation of propane gas that Weber was unaware had leaked into his home.
Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom that shook nearby houses, raising immediate concern among the community. One neighbor, Elizabeth Harmon, quickly called 911 after witnessing smoke rising from Weber’s residence.
“The explosion was so intense, it felt like an earthquake,” Harmon said. “I knew immediately something terrible had happened and just hoped everyone was safe.”
Firefighters and emergency personnel who responded to the scene managed to contain the fire within an hour, preventing it from spreading to neighboring homes. The house, however, suffered significant damage, with windows blown out and parts of the roof caved in.
Weber is currently in stable condition, but he faces a long recovery due to the severity of his burns. His family and friends have come together to support him, setting up a fundraising effort to help with medical expenses and the rebuilding of his home.
Community members have been quick to offer support, bringing meals to the family and organizing community fundraisers. “It’s been overwhelming to see how many people are coming forward to help,” said Weber’s sister, Jenna Weber. “This is a tight-knit community, and when tragedy strikes, everyone pulls together.”
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about safety precautions in homes, especially related to the storage and handling of flammable substances. Fire Chief Turner emphasized the importance of having functioning smoke detectors and ensuring that all household members are aware of how to shut off gas supply lines.
“As much as we are reliefed that Jason survived, this incident serves as a critical reminder to everyone about the dangers of gas leaks and the importance of regular home maintenance,” Turner stated.
Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the gas leak, but preliminary findings suggest it was accidental. They hope that the incident will encourage others to be more vigilant about home safety.
While Weber recuperates, the community remains hopeful and is pulling together to support one of their own in his time of need. Their resilience and unity serve as a strong reminder of the bonds that hold small towns together, particularly in times of crisis.