Man killed in deadly natural gas home explosion identified

WATERLOO, Iowa — Authorities have now released the identity of a man killed in a natural gas home explosion this week in Waterloo.

48-yaer-old Bryan Lee Mueller was the only person in the home at the time of the explosion. His body was later found by emergency personel.

The Waterloo Fire Marshal confirmed Friday a natural gas leak caused Wednesday morning’s deadly explosion. In a press release they say, “the explosion was isolated and intentional incident specific to the circumstances of that particular residence.”

Fire crews arrived at Sager Avenue and Sheerer Street around 2:30 a.m. to find the house leveled, with debris scattered across the neighborhood. They later recovered a body from the rubble.

Officials determined the leak started inside the home, not from MidAmerican Energy’s system. Crews evacuated surrounding homes, but power has since been restored.

Authorities urge residents to report gas odors immediately by calling 911 and MidAmerican’s emergency line at 800-595-5325.