Explosion, fire destroys O'Neill church office building

Whether the luck of the Irish was with them or if a divine power intervened, emergency personnel are thankful that no fatalities or major injuries were reported in an explosion that rocked O'Neill before sunrise on Monday.

At approximately 5:55 a.m., an explosion occurred in the St. Patrick's Parish Center, in the 300 block of Benton Street.

KBRX Radio owner Scott Poese, of O'Neill reported flames as high as 50 to 60 feet were visible in the early-morning skies shortly after the blast occurred.

Liquid oxygen tanks did not explode, according to Terry Miles, OVF&R chief information officer. The state fire marshal is investigating the incident.

Atkinson, Chambers and Ewing fire and rescue departments responded to the mutual aid call.

According to Holt County Attorney Brent Kelly, in a press release issued Tuesday, Oct. 8, first responders identified a vehicle they believed was associated with the incident.

"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," Kelly said.

Investigators identified the driver of the vehicle as a 58-year-old, male Guatemalan national, who cooperated with investigators, with the aid of an interpreter.

The man was transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha. Kelly said his condition is unknown at this time.

"At the time of this release and based upon a review of the witness interviews and medical records, there is no evidence that the individual was under the influence of any alcohol or intoxicating substances," the county attorney said.

Initial findings indicate the vehicle had a low-speed collision with a gas line that fed into the Parish Center approximately 50 minutes before the explosion.

"During that period of time, natural gas leaked into the building and eventually ignited, causing the explosion and fire," Kelly said.

Fire scene

Debris from the structure was tossed across the area, with twisted pieces of metal window frames and glass shards found approximately a half-block away.

A perimeter was established and residents within a two-block radius were evacuated. Damage to area homes included broken windows. One house moved off its foundation.

Cleanup efforts continued Tuesday. All debris will need to be removed before steel beams from the structure are taken down.

Hospital damage

At Avera St. Anthony Hospital, located just west of the Parish Center, doors to the emergency room blew off. The ambulance entrance also sustained damage.

Inside, damage to fixtures occurred and cracks were evident in the ceiling in the hospital's new addition, which was completed approximately one year ago.

Hospital officials rerouted 911 medical emergencies to area hospitals, including West Holt Medical Center in Atkinson.

A temporary emergency room was established in the O'Neill Community Center. Luckily, the hospital's patient count was low at the time of the blast.

According to the hospital's chief executive officer, John Kozyra, extensive damage was reported on the east side of the facility, affecting outpatient dialysis, pharmacy, lab, imaging and the emergency department.

At this time, the ER will remain on diversion.

Individuals experiencing an emergency will need to travel to the nearest emergency department - Atkinson or Neligh - or call 911 for assistance.

Urgent care and non-emergency services will be provided at the O'Neill Community Center. Satellite clinics in Spencer, Chambers and Ewing will also be available; however, no diagnostics, imaging or lab testing will be available.

St. Mary's School

Interior damage was reported inside St. Mary's elementary and high schools. Classes were canceled for this week.

In a letter to school families, principals Paula Atkeson and Jennie Schneider reported a structural engineer will need to assess damage before students and staff are able to enter the buildings.

"We are in the process of evaluating alternate locations to hold classes, n case that becomes necessary," the co-principals wrote.