RAGLEY, La. — Investigators are trying to determine the cause of an explosion that destroyed a southwest Louisiana home, killing a teenage boy from Alabama and injuring five other people.
Louisiana State Fire Marshal Bryan J. Adams said the explosion happened Saturday morning. Firefighters arrived to find the house burning. The explosion leveled the house, throwing debris for some distance and seriously damaging nearby vehicles and a metal outbuilding.
Killed was Deuce Barrere, 16, of Theodore, Alabama, local news outlets reported. Five other people were taken to hospitals including Barrere’s older sister and mother. Adams said a toddler who was in the house was not injured and is being cared for by relatives.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy for this family and community,” Adams said in a statement.
Friends of Duece Barrere who gathered on Dauphin Island, Alabama, on Sunday to remember him told WALA-TV that he was a high school cheerleader.
“When I was upset, he always made sure it was good before I left, and he always made sure everybody here was happy,” said Adalynn Hall, who said she was Barrere’s girlfriend.
Some nearby residents told KPLC-TV that the explosion felt like an earthquake, and that the resulting shock wave knocked items to the floor in their homes and caused power outages.
Ragley is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Lake Charles.
A tragic incident occurred in southwest Louisiana recently, as a teenager from Alabama was killed and five others were injured in an explosion at a home in the area. The explosion, which occurred in the town of Lake Charles, has left the community in shock and mourning the loss of a young life.
The teenager who lost his life in the explosion has been identified as a 17-year-old from Alabama. He was visiting the home in Lake Charles when the explosion occurred, causing extensive damage to the property and injuring those inside. The five individuals who were injured in the blast have been taken to local hospitals for treatment, with the extent of their injuries currently unknown.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a gas leak or some other type of malfunction. The explosion was powerful enough to cause significant damage to the home and neighboring properties, leaving debris scattered across the area.
The community has come together to offer support and condolences to the family of the teenager who lost his life in the explosion. A candlelight vigil was held in his honor, with friends and loved ones sharing memories and expressing their grief over the tragic loss.
Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in our homes and communities. It is crucial to regularly check for gas leaks, faulty wiring, and other potential hazards that could lead to explosions or other disasters. Proper maintenance and vigilance can help prevent tragedies like the one that occurred in Lake Charles.
As the investigation into the explosion continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The community is also encouraged to support the families of those affected by the explosion and to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
In conclusion, the explosion at a home in southwest Louisiana that claimed the life of a teenager from Alabama and injured five others is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the community reeling. As we mourn the loss of a young life, let us also remember the importance of safety measures and vigilance in our homes and communities to prevent such incidents from happening again.
