[Press Release] : Columbia firefighters respond to explosion

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp, Public Information Officer -
(573) 499-7035

Columbia firefighters respond to explosion

COLUMBIA, MO (March 14, 2008) - Columbia firefighters were called at
11:21 a.m. for a report of an explosion and fire at 308 McNab Dr. on
Friday, March 14. Fire crews responding from stations 1, 3 and 4 all
reported a large column of black smoke while en route. 

Fire investigators have determined that the owners of the home were
Carl M. and Merna D Sneed. Mrs. Sneed was located by Columbia
firefighters a few minutes after arrival in the back yard of the home
under some debris. Mrs. Sneed was transported to the University
Hospitals as a "Class 1 Trauma Burn" victim, meaning she had
life-threatening injuries. Mrs. Sneed suffered severe burns over 30
percent of her body and was being treated at the George Peak Burn Center
at University Hospitals late this afternoon.

Firefighters were not able to locate Mr. Sneed and continued search and
rescue efforts for a couple of hours after the explosion and fire began.
Mid-afternoon, firefighters located Mr. Sneed in the basement of the
home, deceased. Firefighters have conducted a search of the remainder of
the home and debris and did not locate any additional victims and have
no reason to believe there are additional victims. 

The first firefighters on the scene found the remains of what was once
a single family home with debris scattered across the street from 308, a
large debris field in the backyard, and debris in the side yard of the
home to the south of 308. Firefighters encountered a large volume of
fire with intense heat. 

Neighbors were reporting that they believed the owners of the home, a
husband and wife, were inside the home when it exploded and caught fire.
A neighbor at 1809 Cliff Drive, John "Jack" Kennedy, heard the explosion
and raced to the home to see if he could assist. Kennedy told fire
investigators that he found Mr. Sneed near what was the front door
buried in debris up to his chest. Mr. Kennedy attempted to remove Mr.
Sneed but Sneed was trapped in the debris. The rapid progression of the
fire made the flames and heat to intense for Mr. Kennedy to continue his
rescue efforts and he was forced to move away from the home. Mr. Kennedy
suffered minor burns to his scalp and we understand he was treated and
released from Boone Hospital Center. 

The Columbia Fire Department commends Mr. Kennedy for his heroic
efforts in his attempt to assist Mr. Sneed. 

During fire fighting operations, a Columbia firefighter, Ben Trutken,
suffered minor burn injuries and was treated and released back to duty.


Fire investigators continue to work to determine the cause of the
explosion and subsequent fire. AmernUE was on the scene checking natural
gas lines. It should be noted that at this time, fire investigators have
not ruled out all causes, and natural gas is only one possible cause. 

Fire investigators will continue to work to develop a cause and origin
of explosion and fire and additional releases will be made as
information become available. 

The men and women of the Columbia Fire Department extend their
condolences to the Sneed family. 

- 30 -
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