One resident still in critical condition following home explosion

WILLIS Investigators said Tuesday they believe the Willis home explosion July 22 was the result of an accumulation and subsequent ignition of gas in the home while the residents were sleeping.

The home was supplied with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for some of the homes appliances. Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams said all of the homes LPG piping and appliances are being examined in to determine where a leak or failure may have occurred.

Investigators have also explored the possibility that methane or natural gas accumulations could have occurred inside the home due to the breakdown of waste in the homes septic tank, but have discounted that theory after examining the scene and interviews with the occupants and witnesses.

The investigation will continue, likely for several more weeks, as further testing and examinations are conducted.

Williams specifically mentioned that investigators ruled out any type of criminal or drug activity relating to the explosion.

What we have is a gas and air explosion, Williams said over the phone. We have an accumulation of flammable vapors. Were looking at the homes propane system to determine where that leak could have come from. Obviously, possible ignition sources are the water heater, the stove and air conditioning units. Any electrical appliance, like a refrigerator when it cycles, can create a spark that would ignite propane gas. So there are a number of appliances in the house that could have ignited the propane.

Jason Brown remains in critical condition at the Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute at the Medical Center in Houston with burns over much of his body.

Kristin Brown is in stable condition with burns mostly to her lower body. Ryan Mitchell was released from the hospital last week and is recovering from burns and trauma related to the explosion.

In addition to MCFMO Fire and Explosion experts, investigators from the Bureau the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Railroad Commission, Montgomery County Environmental Health, and the Conroe Fire Department have assisted in the investigation. Crews and heavy equipment were also brought in from Montgomery County Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meadors office to assist in the investigation and clean-up of area roads, Williams said.

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One resident still in critical condition following home explosion