Jun 03, 2021

Fire Chief IDs man who died in Kan. home explosion, fire

Posted Jun 03, 2021 4:55 PM
The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH
The Kansas Fire Marshal's office is assisting with the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH

RICE COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal home explosion and fire  in Lyons have identified the victim as 65-year-old Terry Sawyers, according to Fire Chief Brad Reid.

Just after 11:30p.m. May 27, firefighters responded to the home in the 300 Block of Meadowlark Drive.  Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire but not able to enter the home. Firefighters later located Sawyers who died from injuries.

Sawyers had lived at the location for approximately 10 to 12-years, according to Reid.

In addition to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, officials from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also investigated, according to Reid.  The cause of the explosion is still undetermined. Insurance company officials were at the home on Thursday morning, according to Reid.  Officials also have had a difficult time locating relatives.

 There was nothing criminal involved in the incident, according to Lyons Police Sgt. Cory Ryan.  Results of an autopsy are expected in July.

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RICE COUNTY —Authorities continue working to determine the cause of a fatal home explosion and fire in Lyons. 

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Meadowlark Drive, according to Fire Chief  Brad Reid.

Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire but not able to enter the home.  Firefighers later located the only occupant, a man in his 60s, who died from injuries.

The victim lived at the location for approximately 10 to 12-years, according to Reid. In addition to the Kansas State Fire Marshal, officials from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms also investigated, according to Reid.

Authorities have not released the victim's name and were working to contact family, according Reid.

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RICE COUNTY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of fatal home explosion and fire in Lyons.

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, firefighters responded to a home in the 300 block of Meadowlark Drive, according to Assistant Fire Chief  Brad Hunt.

Upon arrival crews were able to control the fire. The only occupant, a man in his 60s, died from injuries. Authorities have not released his name.