Victim identified, investigation continues into Central City residential explosion

Investigation into a residential explosion in a Central City neighborhood has reportedly revealed what may have led to the incident, and the man injured in the explosion has been identified.

The explosion happened Tuesday around 1:30 a.m. on North Fifth Street in Central City, destroying the residence the explosion occurred in and damaging multiple homes around it, including shattering windows and melting siding. An adult male victim was found with significant burns and severe injuries. He has been identified as 47-year-old Jimmy Bryant and was flown to a regional trauma center for treatment of injuries, where he remains.

Preliminary investigation conducted by the Kentucky Fire Marshal’s Office, the FBI and the ATF had determined that a large amount of gasoline was reportedly poured inside of the home, and then ignited. The investigation in the circumstances of the explosion remains ongoing.

Multiple fire departments responded for mutual aid including the Greenville Fire Department, Drakesboro Volunteer Fire Department and Bremen Volunteer Fire Department. Multiple other agencies also assisted, including Muhlenberg County Emergency Management Agency, Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Emergency Management, American Red Cross, Kentucky Utilities, Atmos Gas, Central City Public Works Department, Central City Water Department, Central City Administration and many others.