BARTON COUNTY — Authorities investigating the home explosion in Great Bend have confirmed the identity of the man who died as 48-year-old Ryan Neil Kleweno, according to Police Lt. Heather Smith. "He lived in the home."
The explosion at the home in the 700 block of 10th Street just after 3 a.m. Wednesday was caused by a gas leak, according to a statement from Deputy Fire Chief Brent Smith.
Kleweno was transported to a local hospital for treatment and later to the burn unit in a Wichita hospital where he died.
Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire and secure the scene. Tenth Street was closed for approximately an hour while debris was removed from the roadway.
Testing showed that the gas line from the main to the structure was intact and was not leaking, according to Smith.
There was significant damage to neighboring structures and vehicles. The cause of the explosion was investigated by the Great Bend Fire Department and the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.