Brandon Cook dies in fatal Cardiff gas station explosion
Brandon Cook dies in fatal Cardiff gas station explosion
Fatal Cardiff gas station explosion death of Brandon Cook – Obituary.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of two individuals who lost their lives in a gas station explosion that ignited a fire in a small Idaho town last week. The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office reported that 53-year-old Brandon Cook from Orofino and 62-year-old Wesley Lineberry from Pierce died in the blast at the Atkinson Distributing station in Cardiff on September 11.
Two additional victims suffered severe burns and remain hospitalized. They have been identified as fuel tanker driver Donny Billeter and gas station attendant Roxann Hubbs, with separate GoFundMe campaigns set up for their support.
The explosion occurred shortly after 3 p.m. while a tanker truck was filling above-ground fuel tanks, according to Idaho State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl. The force of the blast obliterated the tanker and scattered debris, including parts of the truck and station, across an area comparable to a city block.
Both Lineberry and Cook were found near the gas station; however, it is still unclear whether they were inside or outside when the explosion happened, Sandahl noted.
Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of the explosion, with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Sandahl indicated that the investigation will take time, expressing hope for more conclusive findings by October.
The explosion also caused damage to nearby structures, and leftover fuel at the site has posed challenges for investigators. A hazardous materials response team was deployed to address the risks.
Gas station explosions are infrequent, Sandahl emphasized, stating that in his 19 years as a state fire marshal, he had never encountered such an incident. While the process of offloading fuel can slightly elevate risk, it is generally considered safe when proper protocols are followed.
He cautioned that everyday actions, such as smoking while fueling or improperly handling gas cans, pose greater hazards due to potential sparks from static electricity.
Brandon Cook dies in fatal Cardiff gas station explosion Fatal Cardiff gas station explosion death of Brandon Cook – Obituary. Authorities have confirmed the identities of two individuals who lost their lives in a gas station explosion that ignited a fire in a small Idaho town last week. The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office reported that…
Brandon Cook dies in fatal Cardiff gas station explosion Fatal Cardiff gas station explosion death of Brandon Cook – Obituary. Authorities have confirmed the identities of two individuals who lost their lives in a gas station explosion that ignited a fire in a small Idaho town last week. The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office reported that…