Natural Gas Leak Caused Fatal Explosion

Authorities in Springfield say an investigation into the fatal explosion at the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield last week leads them to believe a natural gas leak was the cause. Assistant Fire Chief Barry Rowe says it appears a butane lighter ignited the natural gas. The explosion killed maintenance worker Brad Murphy. Rowe says Murphy was a smoker who could have either been lighting a cigarette or, more likely, was using his lighter to find his way in a dark part of the building. The explosion occurred June 18th. Officials at the Ozark Empire Fair say the fair will go on as scheduled July 25th through the August 3rd.