Exterior gas leak revealed as cause for house explosion

By: 
Wade Young

The cause of the explosion and fire at 35533 211th Ave. Le Center (Montgomery Township) on February 26, 2022, that killed Kailey Mach, 20, has been determined.

According to Le Sueur Co. Sheriff Brett Mason, a leak in the home’s propane line outside of the residence was the cause. Mason said investigators from his office, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and other private Fire Cause and Origin Investigators met at the property on April 21 and conducted an in-depth examination of the scene.

Mason said they pressure tested and excavated the gas line from the outside tank to the residence when they found the leak. The build-up of the gas, and seepage into the house led to the explosion.

“Ultimately the examination revealed a leak in the gas line, just outside the residence. The leak allowed the LP gas to leak into the dirt/ground. The leaking gas then migrated through the ground to the basement foundation and into the basement level. Eventually enough of the LP gas built up and was ignited, causing the explosion and fire,” he stated in a press release, Friday.

The sheriff said with these findings, the explosion’s investigation and fire was complete.

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