By Laura French
PELZER, S.C. — A South Carolina firefighter was injured in an explosion while battling a fatal fire on Wednesday night.
The West Pelzer firefighter was taken to the hospital after the blast blew out the front wall of the burning residence, where a 34-year-old resident also died from smoke inhalation, according to WSPA.
Firefighters said the explosion may have been caused by an oxygen tank but that the incident was still under investigation. The blaze was brought under control after about 15 minutes.
The West Pelzer Fire Department said in a Facebook post on Thursday that the injured firefighter was released from the hospital and is OK.
Officials said the woman who was killed in the blaze lived there with her parents but was alone at the time of the fire, and no other injuries were reported.
Anderson Technical Rescue Team assisted the West Pelzer Fire Department at the scene.