Natural Gas Explosion in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Kills Firefighter, Injures Several Others

A natural gas explosion in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin killed a firefighter and injured over a dozen others on Tuesday night, July 10, 2018. Several buildings were damaged or destroyed. 

Sun Prairie is a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin.

The firefighter killed in the explosion has been identified as Cory Barr, a Sun Prairie Fire Department captain. Along with his wife Abby, he owned the Barr House restaurant and bar, where the explosion happened.

Over a dozen other people have been injured. One firefighter is in critical condition at a local hospital. At least one other firefighter received treatment at the hospital. A police officer and at least six civilians were also injured. 

At least five buildings were damaged. The Barr House is completely destroyed.

WE Energies said that the natural gas explosion in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was caused when a four-inch natural gas main was broken. The leak was detected and reported, and crews were sent to the site. Tragically, the explosion came before workers could stop the leak and make the area safe.

Officials ordered an evacuation of the area, insisting that no motorized vehicles be used because of the threat of another explosion from the gas leak. Evacuation centers were set up by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, as well as some nearby churches. Evacuees were allowed to go back home on Wednesday morning, but a section of downtown remains closed off.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help the area recover from the tragedy.

Natural Gas Explosion in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Leaves Families and Businesses Devastated

An explosion can change people’s lives in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, homes or businesses can be destroyed. Suddenly, loved ones are hurt or killed – and life will never be the same.

Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman are attorneys with experience in helping devastated families and businesses work to rebuild their lives. They have won multi-million-dollar settlements to make sure that injured people receive the best care possible, to help deal with the expense of medical care, to rebuild and revive businesses, and to take care of families who have suffered the most grievous loss imaginable.

If you would like to talk about your legal options after a fire or explosion, you can talk to the compassionate attorneys of Pritzker Hageman for free, and without incurring any obligation. Or just fill out our online contact form.

Sources

Richmond, Todd, et.al. “Firefighter killed, a dozen injured in gas explosion and fire near Madison, Wisconsin.” Chicago Tribune, July 11, 2018.

Rickert, Chris, et al. “Update: Sun Prairie cleans up, mourns in wake of massive explosion that took the life of firefighter Cory Barr.” Wisconsin State Journal, July 11, 2018.