FATAL EXPLOSION IN SMITHLAND

AN EXPLOSION AND FIRE HAS CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A SMITHLAND IOWA MAN IN THAT RURAL WOODBURY COUNTY TOWN.

THE WOODBURY COUNTY SHERIFF REPORTS THAT 76 YEAR OLD ROBERT JONES DIED AFTER AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED AT THE FORMER SERVICE STATION THAT BORE HIS NAME.

THE BUILDING WAS CURRENTLY BEING USED AS A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS LOCATED ON THE MAIN STREET OF SMITHLAND ALONG HIGHWAY 141.

SMITHLAND FIRE CHIEF CURT LARSON SAYS JONES' BODY WAS FOUND OUTSIDE THE OFFICE OF THE FULLY INVOLVED BUILDING WHEN AUTHORITIES ARRIVED.

THE EXPLOSION AND FIRE OCCURRED AROUND 11:30AM.  THE CAUSE OF THE BLAST REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.