The cause of the explosion at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center on the St. Mary’s school property in O’Neill, Nebraska on Monday has been determined.
After an investigation by the O’Neill Police Department, they determined that approximately 50 minutes prior to the explosion, a vehicle struck a gas line, which caused damage to the gas line.
The O’Neill Police Department is reporting that natural gas leaked into the building and eventually ignited, causing the explosion and fire.
The blast caused severe damage to surrounding homes, classrooms, and Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital.
The O’Neill Police Department says that the driver of the vehicle that struck the gas line was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The incident remains under investigation.
