Officials say gasoline caused house explosion in Central City

CENTRAL CITY, Ky. – Officials say gasoline caused a house explosion in Central City, and a man is still receiving treatment for his injuries.

According to the City of Central City, on Tuesday, Aug. 18 around 1:20 a.m., the Central City Fire Department, Central City Police Department and OHMCH EMS were dispatched to an explosion in the area of North Fifth Street.

Multiple units immediately responded and located an adult male victim, identified as 47-year-old Jimmy Bryant, lying on the ground with significant burn injuries. Bryant was treated and transported to a trauma center, where officials say he is still being treated.

Officials say preliminary investigations by the Kentucky Fire Marshal’s Office, the Kentucky State Police, ATF and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have discovered “a large quantity of gasoline was dispensed” inside of the home, which “was ignited and resulted in the explosion.”

Multiple homes around the property also had various levels of damage, including broken windows and melted siding, officials say.

The American Red Cross was contacted and responded to the scene to provide resources for the affected neighbors.

Multiple additional fire departments responded for mutual aid including Greenville Fire Department, Drakesboro Volunteer Fire Department and Bremen Volunteer Fire Department. Multiple other agencies also assisted, including: Muhlenberg County Emergency Management Agency, Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Fire Marshalls Office, Bureau of ATF, Kentucky State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kentucky Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Kentucky Utilities, Atmos Gas, Central City Public Works Department, Central City Water Department, Central City Administration and many others.

At this time, the investigation is still ongoing. WNKY News 40 will provide additional updates as they become available.