Tragedy struck a Lebanon neighborhood early Saturday when an explosion erupted from a burning car, tragically claiming one life and causing minor injuries to two firefighters. According to the KOIN report, the blast powerfully shook the area, sending debris across yards and streets. The Lebanon Fire District responded to the dire scene on W Grant Street near 8th Street at around 9:20 a.m., where they found three vehicles fully engulfed in flames.
Fire crews immediately began to aggressively tackle the blazing inferno, battling to prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby house. Despite their efforts, an explosion within one of the vehicles prompted them to quickly adjust tactics, highlighted by a statement obtained by KGW. A search confirmed the house was empty, but the inhabitants had been displaced as a result of the incident.
The unfortunate victim, yet to be formally identified, is believed to have been living in the vehicle at the time of the fire and subsequent explosion. As the Lebanon Fire Investigation Team and local law enforcement agencies continue to diligently investigate the cause of the fire, the street has been closed to facilitate their work.
During the incident, two firefighters were reported to have sustained minor injuries. After being evaluated at a local hospital, their conditions were shared by KATU. While the injured firefighters are expected to make a full recovery, the residents of the affected house will not be able to return until power and safety can be fully restored to their home.
