One man killed in Newton County house explosion

One man is dead following a house explosion and fire that took place in Stella in rural Newton County a little after 6 p.m. Monday evening.

“When we arrived we observed a structure had exploded,” said Newton County Coroner Dale Owen.

“Firefighters on the scene had located one individual who had been in the structure at the time of the explosion,” Owen continued. “He was determined to be deceased.”

Authorities say they suspect a gas leak fueled the explosion. Fire Marshals are investigating.

Owen says arrangements are being made to take the body of the 40-year-old man found dead to Springfield to undergo an autopsy.

This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.