Fire Victim
Friday, October 13, 2006
Emporia Fire Chief Jack Taylor confirmed this afternoon that Geraldine Richard has been identified as the victim of an explosion and fire about 12:30 p.m. Thursday at her home at 1405 Road F, about two miles southwest of Emporia.
Taylor said that the investigation into the cause of the incident has been closed.
“We know that it’s accidental,” Taylor said.
Investigators believe that the furnace is the most likely source of ignition for the explosion.
“The exact cause of the explosion and ignition is ruled undetermined at this time,” Taylor said.
The Shawnee County Coroner's office ruled that Mrs. Richard died of "extensive crush injury sustained at the time of the explosion," according to a news release from the Emporia Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Richard will be announced by Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home.