Local News
Video shows moments house explosion in Bethel, Ohio
Neighbors referred to the property as “the cat house,” known for housing multiple cats.
Tragedy struck the Bethel community on Tuesday morning when a home on Vic Joy Drive exploded and caught fire, leaving two people dead and another critically injured.
Fire officials responded to the incident at approximately 8:44 a.m. following reports of a fire with possible entrapment.
Bethel-Tate Fire Chief Christopher Cooper confirmed that emergency crews were en route when they received reports of a possible explosion.
Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy flames engulfing the home and debris scattered throughout the neighborhood.
The explosion, which shook the surrounding area, was described by neighbors as “deafening,” waking many from their sleep.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as Barry and his girlfriend Hellen Colston, widely known as Lucy Colston or Lucy Evans.
She was 52 years old and leaves behind a legacy of love and family, including a child, grandchildren, nieces, and two sisters who mourn her loss deeply.
A third victim, an HVAC technician, sustained severe burn injuries and was transported to UC Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Three cats were rescued from the scene and taken to a veterinarian for treatment.
Neighbors referred to the home as “the cat house” due to the large number of cats frequently seen on the property. Chief Cooper confirmed the presence of numerous cats in the area during the response.
The fire was brought under control within 45 minutes, thanks to the combined efforts of four mutual aid departments. However, the destruction was extensive, with debris launched across the neighborhood, damaging nearby properties.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and fire. Investigators are currently sifting through the wreckage to pinpoint the origin of the blast.
Photos and videos captured by residents depict the devastation, showing the home reduced to rubble and surrounded by scorched debris. One neighbor’s doorbell camera recorded the explosion, which has since circulated widely on social media.
Many residents shared accounts of feeling the blast in their homes, underlining the explosion’s intensity.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the injuries sustained in this incident,” said Chief Cooper. “We’re working tirelessly to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure the safety of the community.”
As the investigation continues, officials encourage anyone wit
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities have identified the woman killed in a fatal crash Monday morning that also left a child injured in Jefferson County.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as 32-year-old Erica Nicole Austin, a resident of Birmingham.
The collision occurred early Monday morning and involved a passenger vehicle and a dump truck, said Center Point Fire District Chief Brandon Dahlen.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash was reported.
Upon arrival, first responders found Austin critically injured. Despite efforts to assist, she was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.
A child who was traveling with Austin sustained injuries in the collision and was transported by Center Point Fire and Rescue to Children’s of Alabama for treatment. The child’s condition has not been released.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured, officials confirmed.
The impact of the collision led to a complete closure of the roadway for approximately five hours as authorities worked to investigate the scene and clear the wreckage.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the deadly crash.
No additional details have been released at this time.