An elderly Clear Springs couple died in a house explosion late Sunday night in southern Texas County, according to coroner Tom Whittaker.
A neighbor was awakened by the explosion around 11 p.m., Whittaker said. He said the home – at Highway 137, about 9 miles north of Willow Springs – was destroyed, and authorities may not be able to determine the cause of the explosion.
Dorrell Dean Perkins, 74, and his wife, Lois Perkins, 69, were found inside the home. Whittaker said both used oxygen and had removed all gas appliances inside the residence. Dorrell Perkins smoked.
Whittaker said autopsies Monday morning revealed smoke inhalation as the cause of death for the couple.
Fire departments from Clear Springs, Tyrone and Willow Springs responded to the scene.