Bingham High student killed in house explosion
Nov 6, 2024, 3:58 PM | Updated: Nov 8, 2024, 2:07 pm
UPDATE: The student killed in the explosion was identified Friday by family as Logan Hansen. Bingham High School announced it would hold a candlelight vigil in his honor Friday night, and asked attendees to wear blue — his favorite color.
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KSL TV’s original story as published is as follows:
SOUTH JORDAN — First responders were on the scene of a reported house explosion in the neighborhood of 10500 S. 3200 West Wednesday afternoon. On Wednesday night, authorities reported one person had been killed in the explosion.
Authorities said Thursday morning the person killed was a 15-year-old boy – a student at Bingham High School.
“At the family’s request, his name will not be released at this time,” the South Jordan Fire Department said. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and neighbors affected by this devastating incident.”
At approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday, the city of South Jordan reported emergency crews were deployed to the home when a two-alarm fire was called at the house. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters said they would work all night to go over what was left of the home, and Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Lessner with the SJFD said one person was unaccounted for.
Later, around 10 p.m., authorities said they located the boy’s body in the rubble.
Search efforts concluded Wednesday night, but the investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing. Lessner said what happened was a “very dynamic situation.”
Community support
Neighboring homes were evacuated and received some minor damages, Lessner said. Other people in the neighborhood felt the shockwaves from the explosion for blocks.
“I mean, it’s just devastating,” Brett Jenson, a neighbor, told KSL TV. “Just a massive, loud boom and shook the whole house.”
One neighbor said they were working in their garage when they were knocked on their back by the explosion.
“It’s crazy because that house is gone,” Sara Anderson, a neighbor, said.
“Obviously there was a lot of energy that created an incident here today,” Lessner told KSL TV. “We had units arriving on both sides of the structure to get a quick knock-down of the fire.”
“To feel it that far, and a lot of people could hear it, and the smoke that came from it,” Anderson said. “I hope everyone’s okay.”
Sandy Riesgraf, a spokesperson for the Jordan School District, reported that a crisis team was present at Bingham High School to help students in the wake of the tragedy.
“We have a crisis team at Bingham High School for students, teachers, and staff who may need support. The crisis team will be available at the school for as long as they are needed,” Riesgraf said. “We are saddened by this loss and our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the student’s family, friends, and neighbors at this difficult time.”
On Wednesday night, The American Red Cross of Utah reported it was actively responding to the house explosion, providing food and water to support first responders as they searched for the boy.
The Utah chapter reported it will also assess the needs of other residents affected by the explosion by offering clothing, food, prescription medication replacement, secure accommodation for those displaced, and mental health and spiritual care.
A *GoFundMe was set up by neighbors to help the family in their time of grief and recovery.
A family friend, Kee’Onu Fuller made a statement on behalf of the family Thursday:
The important thing right now is not an answer to the questions, as those will come in time. The support as a community and prayers are what matter the most.
This is a developing story and may be updated when more information is provided.
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