Mansfield explosion: Homeowners say two suspects caught by police

Bradley Zimmerman
·1 min read
1

Update at 5 p.m.

MANSFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Mansfield family that owns the home that caught fire believes the explosion and fire was caused by squatters. They added that two suspects wanted in connection to the explosion have been caught.

Police and firefighters are still investigating what lead up to the explosion.

Update at 4 p.m.

MANSFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The family who owns the Mansfield house that caught fire said it belonged to their deceased grandparents and that it was vacant at the time of the fire. They added that the fire started in the basement with no injuries reported.

MANSFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Students at Blue Ridge Intermediate and Junior High School are being released from school after a nearby explosion and related manhunt resulted in a soft lockdown on Thursday.

One person hurt in overnight Decatur garage fire

The explosion and subsequent fire happened around 2 p.m. at a house on Oliver Street between West and Washington Streets. WCIA reporters on the scene saw smoke coming from the back of the structure and multiple firefighters. Personnel from the Northern Piatt County and Cornbelt Fire Protection Districts are among those who responded.

WCIA has reached out to both fire protection districts to learn more about the fire. We are waiting to hear back.

Meanwhile, officials with the Blue Ridge CUSD said on Facebook that they were informed of a manhunt related to the explosion. The Intermediate and Junior High School went on a soft lockdown, which was lifted at 3:15 p.m.

School administrators said busses will be running on a delay of approximately 30 minutes.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.

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