One hurt in propane explosion

Published 9:53 am Thursday, July 12, 2018

A propane explosion occurred at the Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones on Sunday morning.

Sheriff Richard Behnke of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies responded to a propane tank explosion at 9:20 a.m. July 8. The explosion occurred at the Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones, Michigan.

According to Sheriff Richard Behnke of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation of the incident showed that Facilities Manager David Stiles was doing a maintenance treatment of a cabin when a propane tank exploded. He was injured in the explosion and was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital by MedFlight.

Due to the explosion, the cabin caught fire and was extinguished by Newberg Township Fire Department.  Assisting on scene were the Newberg Fire Dept and Ambulance, LifeCare Ambulance and MedFlight. The incident remains under investigation.

Sheriff Behnke says people should be careful when using propane tanks. Propane is easily ignited and can cause severe injuries. If you hear or smell (rotten egg smell) propane, leave the area and contact emergency services immediately.