Gasoline Inside Central City Home Ignited and Caused Explosion, Injuring One

Overview

• Emergency crews responded early Tuesday to a house explosion off the 400 block of North Fifth Street in Central City and found 47-year-old Jimmy Bryant with severe burns who was transported to a trauma/burn center.
• Preliminary findings from the Kentucky Fire Marshal’s Office, Kentucky State Police, the ATF and the FBI indicate a large quantity of gasoline was dispensed inside the home and then ignited.
• Multiple nearby houses suffered damage such as broken windows and melted siding, several volunteer fire departments provided mutual aid, and the American Red Cross is assisting displaced neighbors.
• A neighbor reported seeing the house explode and hearing the victim thrown from the structure; officials conducted a primary search that so far found no additional occupants inside.
• Investigators continue a multi-agency probe to establish cause and intent and may pursue criminal charges if evidence shows the gasoline was introduced deliberately, while officials complete damage assessments and support for affected residents.