Maquoketa, IA – Investigators said a propane leak caused a home explosion June 25 in rural Jackson County. However, the source of the leak could not be determined based on the extensive damage to the home.
Ron Humphrey, special agent in charge of the Arson and Explosives Bureau of the Iowa Fire Marshal’s Office, said an the investigation into the explosion at 2236 312th Ave. concluded Monday.
Stephen W. Brandenburg, 73, the only occupant of the home at the time of the explosion, died from injuries sustained in the blast.
Humphrey said investigators tried testing the pipes from the home — located between Preston and Maquoketa — to locate the source of the leak. However, there was too much damage from the explosion to determine specifics, he said.