Authorities reveal cause of explosion that destroyed northern Nebraska parish center

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Authorities provided an update on an explosion that destroyed a parish center in O’Neill early Monday morning.

In a press release, the O’Neill Police Department and Holt County attorney said a vehicle crashed into a gas line connected to the St. Patrick’s Parish Center.

Natural gas leaked into the parish center and eventually ignited, causing the explosion, authorities said.  The explosion happened about 50 minutes after the crash.

The blast caused “significant damage” to nearby homes, classrooms and Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital.

First responders were sent to the parish center around 6 a.m., and additional fire crews were called in to help extinguish the flames.

During an investigation, authorities found the vehicle suspected of crashing into the gas line.

They also identified the driver, who was taken to a hospital in Omaha with unknown injuries.  He did not cooperate with investigators before going to the hospital, authorities said.

At this time, there is no evidence that the driver was under the influence of alcohol, according to police.

An investigation is ongoing.