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The Houghton County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that one person was killed in an explosion and fire at a home in Hancock Township Tuesday.
Investigators recovered the body of a woman inside the residence. Pending an autopsy and official identification, the name of the victim has not been released. Investigators confirm that she matches the description of the 64-year-old woman who lived at the home.
The explosion took place around 9 a.m. Tuesday.
A man described as the husband of the victim was able to escape. He was treated for injuries at Aspirus Keweenaw, and released.
Information provided to deputies while firefighters were battling the blaze led them to believe that the woman may have been inside the home. Her body was recovered after the fire was extinguished.
The home was destroyed. M-203 was blocked off between McLain State Park and Salo Road, so firefighters could draw water from a nearby stream.
A Michigan State Fire Investigator is trying to determine what caused the explosion.
The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police Fire Investigation Unit, Calumet Township Fire, Quincy Franklin Fire, Allouez Township Fire, Hubbell Fire, Tamarack City Fire, Mercy EMS, REA Power, MJO Contracting, Superior Search and Rescue, and the Houghton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office thanks all of the volunteers, and the local businesses who donated food and water to the volunteers on scene.
