FONTANA — Osawatomie-Fontana fire chief Duwayne Tewes said the cause of an explosion and fire at the Highway 7 Auto Salvage yard in Fontana Wednesday afternoon remains under investigation today. The explosion destroyed the shop at the yard. Kansas City television stations channels 5 and 9 report that three people were injured in the blast. Channel 5 reported that two of the injured people were treated and released but one was severely burned and was in critical condition at the University of Kansas Hospital. Channel 5 reported a co-worker identified the man as Jerry Sicks, an employee at the yard. There were secondary explosions after firefighters arrrived. Tewes said departments from Paola, Louisburg and Linn County helped the Osawatomie-Fontana firefighters. The Osawatomie Police Department, the Miami County Sheriff’s office and the Kansas State Fire marshal are helping in the investigation, he said.
Thursday, Nov. 25, 4:30 p.m.
