Vehicle hit gas line approximately an hour before O'Neill explosion

An investigation into the cause of a Monday morning explosion at St. Patrick’s Parish Center in O’Neill is believed to be the result of a vehicle striking a gas line that fed into the building.

In a press release issued Tueday by Holt County Attorney Brent Kelly, first responders identified a vehicle they believe was associated with the incident. The vehicle was driven by a 58-year-old Guatemalan national.

“The O’Neill Police Department initiated an investigation into the cause of the incident and were assisted by the fire marshal, Nebraska State Patrol, ATF and county attorney’s office,” Kell...