×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Blast Levels House in Cameron

Photo by Lisa Summers A man suffered severe burns after a house exploded on Dry Ridge Road shortly after noon Tuesday. Nick Riggle, 62, was flown by medical helicopter to a hospital in Pittsburgh. The state fire marshal is investigating the fire.

CAMERON — The West Virginia fire marshal is trying to determine the cause of a house explosion that severely burned a man Tuesday in Marshall County.

Nick Riggle, 62, was flown to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh after his home exploded at about 12:30 p.m., said Marshall County Chief Deputy Bill Helms. Riggle’s condition was not known as of presstime.

Marshall County Director of Emergency Management Tom Hart said Riggle told sheriff’s deputies he walked into a room and flipped on a light switch, which was immediately followed by an explosion.

“The house is a total loss,” said Cameron Fire Chief Brian Marling.

He said the fire from the explosion was contained by 2:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the fire and the explosion itself had nearly leveled the house.

No one would speculate Tuesday about what may have caused the fire. Several vehicles from Mountaineer Gas Co. were at the scene during the afternoon, but no one said the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak.

“The State Fire Marshal’s office was notified, and someone should be arriving on scene shortly,” Hart said around 3 p.m. Tuesday. “They’ll be the ones doing the investigation.”

Riggle was able to reach his neighbor’s house for assistance, where he was subsequently taken by Marshall County Emergency Medical Service for treatment, said Hart.

Family members said that Mabel Riggle, the owner of the new home, hadn’t moved in yet and this was the first time that electric was being turned on.

Officials said the fire hydrant in front of the neighbor’s house would not work, so crews had to bring in water to extinguish the flames.

In addition to Cameron, Marshall County EMS, HealthNET and emergency management officials, volunteer firefighters from Dallas; Limestone; Fork Ridge; and Pennsylvania’s West Finley responded.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today