Two Dead, One Critically Injured in Devastating Bethel House Explosion

A quiet morning in Bethel turned tragic on Tuesday when a home on Vic Joy Drive exploded and caught fire, leaving two people dead and one critically injured. The powerful blast, which occurred around 8:44 a.m., sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, destroying the home and scattering debris across nearby properties.

Bethel-Tate Fire Chief Christopher Cooper confirmed that emergency crews were en route when reports of an explosion came in. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy flames and debris. Witnesses described the explosion as “deafening,” waking many residents from their sleep.

The victims were identified as Barry and his girlfriend, Hellen Colston, also known as Lucy Colston or Lucy Evans. Hellen, 52, leaves behind a grieving family that includes a child, grandchildren, nieces, and two sisters. A third victim, an HVAC technician, suffered severe burns and was transported to UC Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

The property was locally known as “the cat house” due to the many cats frequently seen there. During the response, firefighters rescued three cats, which were taken to a veterinarian for treatment.

The explosion caused significant damage to nearby homes, with residents reporting cracked windows and debris in their yards. Four fire departments worked together to extinguish the blaze within 45 minutes, but the destruction was extensive.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Investigators are combing through the wreckage for clues while reviewing footage, including a doorbell camera video of the blast that has circulated widely on social media.

“This is a devastating loss for the community,” Chief Cooper said. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families as we work to uncover what caused this tragedy and ensure the safety of all residents.”

The explosion has left the community shaken, with many sharing stories of how they felt the blast in their homes. Officials urge anyone with information, photos, or videos to contact the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office as they continue their investigation.

As Bethel mourns the loss of two lives, the town rallies around the surviving victim and the grieving families, hoping for answers to what caused this heartbreaking disaster.