Authorities believe a vehicle collided, at low-speed, with a gas line at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center in O’Neill causing the gas to feed into the building for about 50 minutes before it exploded around 6:00am Monday. The blast also caused severe damage to surrounding homes, classrooms and Avera Saint Anthony’s Hospital.
According to the O’Neill Police Department and Holt County Attorney’s Office the driver of the vehicle, a 58-year-old Guatemalan national, cooperated with investigators before being transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. His condition was not available. They say there is no evidence of alcohol or intoxicating substances. The investigation into the incident continues.
Other responding agencies included O’Neill Fire Department with mutual aid from Atkinson, Chambers and Ewing. Also, Holt County Sheriff’s Office, Holt County Emergency Manager, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska State Patrol and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
