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87-Year Old Girard Man Killed In Home Explosion
GIRARD, Ill. (AP) -- An 87-year-old central Illinois man has died after an explosion at his home.

The Telegraph in Alton reports that Thomas Barnard of Girard in Macoupin County died early Thursday in the explosion and fire. Authorities say the explosion sent a fireball into the sky that a deputy saw in a patrol car. The deputy responded to the scene.

Six fire engines responded to the blaze and it took crews eight hours to contain it.

Barnard's body was found in the basement and the coroner pronounced him dead at about 2:45 a.m. Fire officials say they are investigating the cause of the blaze.
He retired 20 years ago after spending 43 years as a coal miner. Barnard's son, Jim Barnard, said he found a Father's Day card lying in the street.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
09 02 11 by Newsroom
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