By Associated Press - Saturday, February 22, 2020

BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) - Authorities say a man was killed in an explosion and fire at a Brookings apartment.

Brookings Fire Chief Darrell Hartmann tells the Argus Leader the explosion and fire Thursday morning was caused by natural gas leak.

Hartmann said the back half of the building was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.



Neighboring buildings were evacuated by authorities.

Hartmann said a man was found dead on the first floor of the building after the fire was under control. He said the structure is a rental property separated into three apartments.

Authorities are not releasing the man’s identity until an autopsy is completed Monday.

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