Rising City, NE – RISING CITY – A 15-year-old David City Public High School freshman died in a house explosion that occurred in Butler County on Friday morning.
Krystle Sorensen was pronounced dead at the scene, 3661 County Road C, about three miles east of U.S. Highway 81 and a mile south of the Butler County Speedway.
The Nebraska State Fire Marshal was called to the scene at about 8:24 a.m. after a 911 call was made to the Butler County Communication Center in David City. The cause of the explosion was a leak in the line from the propane tank to the house.
The leak allowed propane to enter into the residence, according to a press release from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office. It is believed an appliance in the residence ignited the propane and caused the explosion. The house was destroyed in the explosion.
The owner of the home was Neva Sorensen, grandmother of Krystle Sorensen, who was located in the yard area just southwest of her house with burn injuries. The 83-year-old was transported to the Butler County Health Care Center in David City. No information was being released Saturday afternoon about her condition.
Also injured was Kenneth F. Callaghen Jr., 67, of Rising City. Callaghen had walked to a residence approximately one-eighth of a mile south of the explosion to request help. He was taken to Columbus Community Hospital by Rising City Fire and Rescue, then was later taken by helicopter to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lincoln. He was listed in critical condition Friday evening in the hospital’s burn unit.
Firefighters fought the fire and located Krystle Sorensen in the yard on the north side of the house.
Krystle Sorensen lived in David City with her father and stepmother, Kevin and Rita Sorensen.
David City Public High School has arranged for counselors to be available for students.
Memorial services for Krystle Sorensen are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in David City.
Rising City Fire and Rescue, Shelby Fire and Rescue, the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call