EXPLOSION AND FIRE KILL RUSSETT MAN - State Fire Marshal Investigating

(01/19/2005)

A Russett Road man is dead after a fire and explosion struck his parked motor home early Tuesday morning. Authorities have identified the victim as Ivan Hays (Hayes), about 62. His body was discovered partially outside the door of his motor home, which he had been using as a dwelling. He lived by himself. Neighbors said they heard more than one explosion, which could have been caused by oxygen or propane tanks inside the dwelling. The victim reportedly was on oxygen for breathing problems. Cleston Nicholas, who lives about one-half mile from the incident, said an explosion shook his house. It blew open the door on a nearby home and rattled pictures on the walls of nearby houses. An auto parked close to the motor home "had all the windows blown out," according to acting fire chief Craig Gherke. Gherke said the Grantsville VFD responded with three units shortly after 6 a.m. He said the State Fire Marshal's office spent part of yesterday investigating the cause. The victim's body has been taken to the State Medical Examiner's office in Charleston. Calhoun EMS and the State Police also responded to fire, which is three miles from Grantsville on Rt. 7 (Russett Road.)

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