Full Notification

One Hurt in Propane Explosion

Sheriff Richard Behnke of the Cass County Sheriff's Office reports that deputies responded to a propane tank explosion on 7-8-18 at 9:20am. The explosion occurred at the Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones, MI. Investigation of the incident showed that Facilities Manager David Stiles (44 yrs of Jones, MI) was doing a maintenance treatment of a cabin when a propane tank exploded. Mr. Stiles was injured in the explosion and was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital by MedFlight. Due to the explosion, the cabin had caught fire and was extinguished by Newberg Township Fire Department. Assisting on scene were the Newberg Fire Dept and Ambulance, LifeCare Ambulance and MedFlight. The incident remains under investigation.
Sheriff Behnke reminds everyone to be careful when using propane tanks. Propane is very easily ignited and can cause severe injuries. If you hear or smell (rotten egg smell) propane, leave the area and contact emergency services immediately.