TAHLEQUAH —
A Cherokee County man was in critical condition Sunday morning after his house exploded Saturday night in the Briggs area.
Authorities said Jeff Saddler was home alone when the explosion occurred. The blast could be heard several miles away, and sent debris in all directions. Cherokee County Undersheriff Jason Chennault said his family felt the explosion from their house a mile away from the scene. He said insulation from the home was found at least a half mile from the explosion, which was east of TNT Grocery on State Highway 51, east of Tahlequah.
"From what we have seen so far, it appears to have been a propane explosion," said Chennault. "The house is a total loss."
Investigators arrived early Sunday morning to survey the damage and believe the explosion was caused by a build-up of propane. Chennault said a gas cook stove had been installed in the home prior to the incident.
"We're not sure if that was the origin, but the investigators tell us it looks like it was an explosion from a low point in the house," said Chennualt. "It blew everything into the air."
First responders said Saddler was pulled from the rubble of the home, and was buried beneath debris from the floor. He was transported to Tahlequah City Hospital in an ambulance and soon after flown to a Tulsa hospital.
Chennault said Saddler had only been living in the home for about a week.
Pieces of the home's roof, clothing, and other items were scattered in nearby trees. A door of the home was blown across S.H. 51.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers had to shut down the highway Saturday evening as first responders arrived at the scene, and debris had to be moved out of the road before traffic was allowed through the area.
Local News
Related Photos
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane.
-
Cherokee County Undersheriff Jason Chennault looks over the remnants of a Briggs home destroyed by an explosion Saturday evening. Investigators said a new cook stove had been installed before the incident, and believe a build-up of propane may have caused the explosion. Josh Newton
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane. Josh Newton
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane. Josh Newton
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane. Debris from the home was scattered up to half a mile and was stuck in nearby trees. Josh Newton
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane. Josh Newton
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane. Debris from the home was scattered up to half a mile and was stuck in nearby trees. Josh Newton
-
A Briggs-area home was destroyed Saturday evening after an explosion, which investigators believe was caused by a build up of propane. Josh Newton
Discussion
Update: Man critical after house explosion
- Local News
-
-
Man arrested after making threats
Cherokee County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 63-year-old man Thursday after he allegedly made numerous calls to 911 for help, yelled at dispatchers and threatened deputies.
-
Sights on summer
Next weekend is Memorial Day, marking the beginning of the summer recreation season.
-
Board OKs insurance renewal
Employee health benefits and water department equipment were discussed and approved during Friday’s regular Tahlequah Public Works Authority Board meeting.
-
Experts: Anglers can expect big catches
During the summer months, some folks take to the lakes to zip around in boats or on JetSkis. Others prefer the quiet solitude of baiting a hook, dropping a line and hopefully catching some fish.
-
Construction on Cedar will mean wider road
Completed construction to the north end of Cedar Avenue later this year will provide a wider road and a second point of entry and exit to Wheeler Addition.
-
Bond issue, ordinances on agenda
The agenda for Monday night’s special city council meeting is filled with talk of the recent bond issue, proposed ordinances, budget matters for the next fiscal year, and personnel issues.
-
Grave circumstances
Cemeteries are often thought of with solemnity. If monuments are properly preserved, they can be a boon to genealogists and historians, and provide a place for generations of family to gather and remember lost loved ones.
-
Bike trails will increase cycling interest
One of the most unique uses for a stationary bicycle is to power a generator connected to a blender, making a juice drink in a tiny store in a jungle, as demonstrated on a Travel Channel show.
-
Second Begay jury trial to begin
Despite new DNA evidence introduced in the case, a district judge has decided to go ahead with a man’s second planned jury trial on child sex abuse charges.
-
Lawns will need extra TLC this season
Summer is almost here, and before the mercury hovers at the century mark, local residents are working to get the lawns in shape.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man arrested after making threats
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
AP CEO: Records Seizure 'Unconstitutional'
Fatal Hot Air Balloon Accident in Turkey
Tornadoes, Storms Strike Midwest
'Babyland': Camp Lejeune's Toxic Legacy?
Raw: Heavy Tornado Damage in Shawnee, Okla
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
