A 78-year-old woman was killed last week in an apparent explosion at a duplex in American Fork.

Police identified the woman as Kathy Harrison. The explosion happened March 20 just before 6 a.m. According to a press release, American Fork police along with Fire & Rescue personnel were called to the residence, located at 67 N. 370 East. When first responders arrived on scene, they observed a duplex that had suffered significant damage and was on fire because of what appeared to be the result of an explosion.

The owner of the duplex was found injured but alive. However, first responders discovered the neighbor had yet to be accounted for, according to the release.

Fire crews found Harrison in her home. Medical aid was rendered but she died due to her injuries.

In the press release, the American Fork Police Department said full results of an autopsy performed by the Utah State Medical examiner are still pending.

What’s also still unknown is what caused the fatal blast. According to police, officials initially ruled that the explosion was due to a gas leak, but the incident remains under investigation, assisted by the Utah State Fire Marshal.

Dominion Energy also is working to determine a cause for the explosion. Last Thursday, one day after the incident, a spokesperson told KUTV that crews recently had been doing routine maintenance in the area, including at that particular address.

Jorgan Hofeling, with Dominion Energy, sent the following statement to the Daily Herald: “Dominion Energy continues to work closely with investigators to determine the cause of the fatal explosion at a duplex in American Fork. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to gather all the information needed for the ongoing investigation.”

In an email, American Fork Battalion Chief Brandon Boshard told the Daily Herald the investigation is ongoing and may take weeks to complete.

Newsletter