Lubbock Fire Rescue and EMS responded to the 2900 block of 21st Street around 10 p.m. Tuesday for an explosion at a Central Lubbock home.
Lubbock Police provided an update Wednesday morning and said John Fleming, 72, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Three more victims were taken to University Medical Center by EMS with serious injuries.
Police said Rodica Gelca, 45, was later pronounced dead at UMC.
Updated Story Link: State & Federal Agencies Investigating Deadly Explosion and Fire in Lubbock
Hazmat teams were also called out to assist and told residents to avoid breathing the smoke.
“It appears we’re getting some high-level readings on some of our gas monitors,” Lubbock Fire Rescue Division Chief Steve Holland said at the scene. “It appears this could be a hazardous materials scene.”
“We’re asking everybody to stay out of the area especially out of the smoke until we find out for sure what’s going on,” Holland said.
Holland also referred to the situation as a “possible crime scene.” (Later LFR said the situation was thought to be the result a crime.)
The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. The Lubbock Police Department’s Persons Crime unit is also investigating.
The following is an updated news release from the Lubbock Police Department:
Lubbock Police Officers were called to the 2900 block of 21st street, just before 10:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 27th, to assist Lubbock Fire Rescue following reports of an explosion in the area.
Upon arrival, responding officers located multiple victims. One of the victims, 72-year-old John Fleming, was pronounced deceased at the scene, while three additional victims were transported to UMC by ambulance with serious injuries. 45-year-old Rodica Gelca was later pronounced deceased at UMC.
The additional two who were transported are expected to recover.
Lubbock Police remain on the scene and are working with Lubbock Fire Rescue in order to properly secure the area.
Detectives with Lubbock Police Department’s Persons Crime Unit are currently investigating.
The following is a statement from Lubbock Fire Rescue:
Lubbock Fire Rescue is on scene of a residential house fire at 2910 21st. This is currently a second alarm incident and crews are operating in a defensive mode due to hazardous conditions. One civilian has been transported to the hospital by EMS. Two Lubbock Fire Fighters have also been transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Lubbock Fire Marshal’s office is on scene investigating the cause of the fire. More information will be given as it becomes available.
