MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Tragedy struck once again at the Morgantown house on Wells Street where a gas explosion occurred last year, claiming two lives in a morning fire. The vacant and condemned property has been a site of devastation since September 6, 2023, when the initial explosion occurred. Firefighters responded to a fatal structure fire in the vicinity just before 8:30 a.m., encountering heavy smoke engulfing the building with flames emanating from the basement and first floor.
Upon gaining control of the situation and clearing the smoke, firefighters discovered two individuals deceased inside the house. The identities of the victims have not been disclosed by the fire department. The fire was swiftly extinguished without any reported complications, and only one firefighter sustained minor injuries while securing a water supply from a hydrant. The injured firefighter was promptly assessed by Monongalia EMS and resumed duty.
Authorities such as detectives from the Morgantown Police Department, Monongalia EMS, and West Virginia state fire marshal personnel collaborated in the investigation following the tragic incident. This unfortunate event comes as a continuation of the previous gas explosion that claimed the life of Carly Grozier, a West Virginia University student and member of the Women’s Lacrosse Club, during the earlier incident. The grim series of events have left the community mourning the loss of lives and grappling with the aftermath of these tragic occurrences.