Oliver W. Campbell, Katherine A. Campbell Obituary, Death – Law enforcement officials have formally identified a couple who tragically lost their lives in a house explosion in Excelsior Springs late last week. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the victims were 70-year-old Oliver W. Campbell and 65-year-old Katherine A. Campbell, who perished on Friday morning when their residence at 14406 Kimberly Drive was destroyed by an explosion.
Authorities suspect that a propane leak may have been the cause of this fatal incident. The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.
The investigation is expected to take up to 30 days to complete. The explosion occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m., with residents in surrounding areas reporting that they heard the blast, which obliterated the home.
The force of the explosion was so intense that it was felt and observed from several miles away. A surveillance camera in Kearney recorded the fireball resulting from the blast. Neighbors have begun to mourn the couple, who had resided in the home for three decades.
Additionally, investigators discovered a deceased dog among the debris, believed to be the couple’s pet, Cinnamon. In this rural region, homes are not connected to a natural gas supply; instead, they rely on individual propane tanks for heating and cooking purposes.
The Missouri Propane Safety Commission is involved in the investigation of the explosion. The sheriff’s office has stated that it will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.