Investigators identify gas leak as cause of fatal Hopkins house explosion

Wednesday, authorities provided an update on an investigation into a Hopkins house explosion last month that left a husband and wife dead.

According to the Hopkins Police Department, investigators have determined the home’s water heater was recently replaced and a gas line was not reattached after the installation. Investigators stated this allowed gas to leak into the home, and eventually to ignite.

Investigators say the cause of the ignition is not known, adding natural gas can be ignited by many sources, including light switches, pilot lights, or static electricity. Authorities have ruled the fire as being accidental.

Authorities were called to the 200 block of 21st Avenue North around 10:15 a.m. July 27 on a report of an explosion and house fire.

The explosion and fire occurred at and in the area of the home, and the two found dead were identified as 85-year-old Herb Vassar and 83-year-old Sharon Vassar.