Story Published:
May 11, 2009 at 4:06 PM CST
Story Updated:
May 11, 2009 at 4:41 PM CST
CLEAR SPRINGS, Mo. -- A couple's home exploded late Sunday but a medical examiner says the couple died of smoke inhalation before the explosion. Coroner Tom Whittaker says emergency responders found the bodies of Doral Perkins, 74, and Lois Perkins, 69, in their home near Clear Springs on Missouri 137 about 9 miles north of Willow Springs.
Whittaker said the explosion awakened a neighbor about 11 p.m. Three fire departments helped at the scene. An investigator for the state fire marshal's office is trying to determine the cause of the explosion.
Whittaker said both people used oxygen and had removed all gas appliances inside the home. He said Doral Perkins smoked.
