Dec. 21--One of the three members of a family hurt in an explosion and fire that destroyed their home early Tuesday morning has shown marked signs of improvement at a local hospital today.
The 28-year-old man has been upgraded to serious condition at the burn unit of Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis, a hospital spokeswoman said. A 24-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl remain in critical condition.
Neighbors reported the explosion shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday in the 700 block of North Minnesota, near Murdock and I-135, authorities have said. All three family members were found outside the house when firefighters arrived minutes later, Fire Marshal Brad Crisp said, but it's not clear how they got there.
Investigators are still sifting through the rubble of the house in search of a cause, authorities said. Damage was estimated at $60,000.
Contact Stan Finger at 316-268-6437.