Woman killed in American Fork house explosion identified

AMERICAN FORK, Utah (KUTV) — Police have identified the woman killed in a home explosion in American Fork.

They said 78-year-old Kathy Harrison was killed during the incident on Mar. 20, before 6 a.m., which caused significant damage to a duplex located at 67 North 370 East.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they found the duplex severely damaged and on fire, likely due to the explosion.

Upon arrival, authorities located the owner of one of the residences injured but alive outside the remains of her home.

Harrison, who lived in the attached duplex, was initially unaccounted for. Firefighters later found her inside her residence. Life-saving efforts were performed but were ultimately unsuccessful, according to the American Fork Fire Department.

The Utah State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy, and the investigation into the cause of the explosion is still ongoing.

Early reports suggested a possible gas leak as the cause of the explosion, but authorities have not confirmed this.

"American Fork Police and Fire Departments intend to release the investigative findings once the investigation is completed," authorities said in a news release on Monday.

The incident remained under investigation.