AMERICAN FORK, Utah – Tragedy struck in American Fork as one woman was discovered dead following an explosion and fire at a duplex early Wednesday morning. Firefighters swiftly responded to calls about the explosion near 300 E. Main around 5:50 a.m. with over 20 vehicles on the scene. American Fork Police Chief Cameron Paul confirmed that the fire has been put out.
Authorities revealed that one woman lost her life in the incident, while another woman from the duplex was safely evacuated. American Fork Fire Battalion Chief Brandon Boshard mentioned that there were likely only two individuals inside the building, one in each unit. The search for any potential additional occupants will proceed once it is deemed safe to enter the structure.
Witnesses in the neighborhood recounted being startled awake by the sudden blast, with one resident, Jordan Haight, admitting they thought it was an earthquake. Steve Landeen described feeling a shockwave followed by a loud thump, reminiscent of an explosion. The aftermath left many homes and other duplexes in the area with significant damage.
In a surprising turn of events, a pet dog emerged unharmed from the structure a few hours after the incident. Brandon Boshard expressed astonishment at the dog’s condition, covered in insulation and debris.
First responders are actively working to determine the cause of the fire, and the identity of the deceased woman has not yet been released. The neighboring houses suffered various degrees of damage and were coated in debris, leaving residents shocked by the scale of destruction.
Jordan Haight, who had experienced wildfires in California, expressed disbelief at the aftermath, noting the abundance of debris surrounding the neighborhood. The community is left with questions as investigations continue to unfold, seeking to make sense of this tragic event.