MONROE - Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a July 17 explosion that critically injured a man in Cadiz Township and slightly injured five others. But Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud said Monday that it appears, at this point, that the Sunday afternoon blast "was an accident."
An official cause has not been determined, he added, citing the ongoing investigation. Skatrud, though, said the investigation is not, at this point, criminal in nature and has been delayed by the condition of one of the victims, Douglas Scace, 40, who is still unable to speak.
Scace was transported by MedFlight to University of Wisconsin Hospital following the blast, in the basement of the house at W8294 Wisconsin 11.
"We don't believe it was an intentional act that led to the explosion," Skatrud said.
Also injured in the blast were: Carla Mannino, 40; Kimberly Evans, 15; Destiny Scace, 7; Lakota Scace, 5; and Apache Scace, 23 months.
They were treated and released at Monroe Clinic Hospital. Scace, however, could be hospitalized for weeks, Skatrud said.
The rural home was severely damaged in the incident.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also is helping in the investigation, he said, noting that it was brought into the probe for additional expertise, along with other experts.
Evidence collected so far has been submitted to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab for analysis and those reports could take weeks to return to Green County, Skatrud said.
An official cause has not been determined, he added, citing the ongoing investigation. Skatrud, though, said the investigation is not, at this point, criminal in nature and has been delayed by the condition of one of the victims, Douglas Scace, 40, who is still unable to speak.
Scace was transported by MedFlight to University of Wisconsin Hospital following the blast, in the basement of the house at W8294 Wisconsin 11.
"We don't believe it was an intentional act that led to the explosion," Skatrud said.
Also injured in the blast were: Carla Mannino, 40; Kimberly Evans, 15; Destiny Scace, 7; Lakota Scace, 5; and Apache Scace, 23 months.
They were treated and released at Monroe Clinic Hospital. Scace, however, could be hospitalized for weeks, Skatrud said.
The rural home was severely damaged in the incident.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also is helping in the investigation, he said, noting that it was brought into the probe for additional expertise, along with other experts.
Evidence collected so far has been submitted to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab for analysis and those reports could take weeks to return to Green County, Skatrud said.