By Marlana Smith
A gas explosion seriously injured one employee from Peters Heating & Air Conditioning in Kirksville and caused significant damage to a home being built near Leonard on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at approximately 11 a.m.
According to Shelby Community Fire Chief Mike Geisendorfer, a male employee of Peters was working on the furnace in the basement when the explosion occurred.
The male employee was life flighted to Iowa City Burn Unit with serious injuries.
Three individuals were inside the home when the explosion happened.
“There had to be a substantial amount of propane to make an explosion like that happen,” said Chief Geisendorfer.
Geisendorfer said the home had significant damage.
The home is owned by Brad and Allison Shaw.
Missouri State Fire Marshal and Missouri Propane Commission were on scene.
The explosion is still under investigation according to Geisendorfer.
