New Marion FD Release More Details from Fatal Fire

One person was killed in an explosion/fire at a Ripley Co. home on Tuesday night.

Photo by New Marion Fire Department.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - New Marion Volunteer Fire Department has released information regarding a fatal fire that occurred earlier this week. 

Firefighters were dispatched on Tuesday around 9:11 p.m. to the 3000 block of West County Road 350 South in Shelby Township for a reported structure fire possibly associated with an explosion. Initial reports also indicated the possibility of an individual being trapped in the debris.

Mutual aid was immediately requested from Versailles Fire & Rescue, Osgood Fire Department, and Napoleon Fire Department to provide additional manpower and water-shuttling operations needed to support firefighting efforts.

New Marion Engine 804 arrived on scene to find the structure had collapsed, with active flames present. Fire crews worked throughout the incident, with operations continuing into the early morning hours.

One fatality has been confirmed. The name of the victim has not been released. 

The fire remains under investigation by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, whose investigators were present on scene throughout the early morning hours alongside responding fire personnel.

"The New Marion Volunteer Fire Department extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. We respectfully ask the community to keep them in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We also ask that the family’s privacy be respected as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, no additional information regarding the individual will be released at this time," reads a statement from New Marion Volunteer Fire Department.