Pike County Missouri Sheriff Stephen Korte releases the following
information:
On August 7th, 2013 at between 5:33-5:39 a.m. the
Sheriff’s Office received 12 separate 911 calls for a house fire with explosions
at 308 West Maple St in Curryville.
Curryville fire was dispatched with mutual aid requested from Bowling
Green Fire Department. Pike County
Hospital also dispatched an ambulance to the scene. Sheriff’s deputies also responded.
At the time of the fire the house was occupied by Samantha
Wilson and Joe Moss. Moss was
transported from the scene by Pike County Ambulance to University Hospital in
Columbia. Wilson was transported
from the scene by Van-Far Ambulance to Pike County Hospital.
The Missouri State Fire Marshalls office was contacted and
responded to assist in the investigation.
Also assisting were Eolia Fire Protection District with specialized
hazardous material equipment and an Officer with the East Central Drug
Taskforce. Off duty Deputies
certified in hazardous materials were also called in.
Located in area of the source of the fire were items needed
in the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine. Additional items for the
manufacture of methamphetamine were located on the property. The preliminary cause of the fire is
being listed as clandestine methamphetamine production. Witness report hearing three separate
explosions coming from the house.
One of these explosions is attributed to a small propane tank that was
located near the source of the fire.
The tank was ruptured in a manor consistent with an explosion.
The investigation is still open.
All
persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until convicted in a court
of law.