Kathryn Bartels dies in fatal Lebanon car explosion
Fatal Lebanon car explosion death of Kathryn Bartels – Obituary
Kathryn Bartels lost her life on May 24 in Lebanon, Oregon, after a devastating car explosion on West Grant Street. The blast also left three firefighters injured as they responded to the fire.
Newly released footage shows emergency crews battling a fire in Bartels’ vehicle when it unexpectedly exploded, flinging debris and knocking responders backward. Bartels, who was inside the car, did not survive the blast.
According to her son, Kenneth, she had been living in the car, which contained a propane stove and an oxygen tank. He believes those items likely contributed to the fire and explosion. Although the two had been estranged due to her long struggle with alcohol, Kenneth said they recently reconnected and had a meaningful phone conversation just weeks before her death.
“It was a really good call,” he shared. “I told her I loved her. She talked about some positive changes, and I’m grateful that we had that talk before she passed.”
The family is now working to raise funds for funeral costs. Kenneth said they hope to scatter her ashes in Alaska, a place deeply significant to their family. He also remembered that his mother had a strong love for 1980s music, especially songs by the Scorpions.
