An explosion at a commercial building in Bucklin, Kansas, on Saturday, October 14, 2023, resulted in the death of three individuals, with another sustaining injuries.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. during the renovation of the building on the 100 block of West Center Street, over 100 miles west of Wichita.
The deceased were identified as Jerry Isakson, 26, Robyn Hamilton, 29, and their 19-month-old daughter, Stormi Isakson. A fourth individual, Christian Stimpert, 26, was found injured at the scene with extensive burns and was promptly transported to St. Catherine Hospital in Dodge City for medical attention. Isakson had been helping Stimpert do the renovation work and had brought his girlfriend and baby along.
The Ford County Sheriff’s Office, Ford County Fire, and the Bucklin Fire Department were among the first to respond to the distress call.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, spearheaded by the Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and Ford County Fire. Preliminary findings suggest that the incident was accidental, occurring while the building was undergoing renovation.
Ford County Sheriff Bill Carr, in a statement reflected on the incident’s profound impact on the community and the first responders. He emphasized that such events place enormous stress on first responders, not only during the incident but also in the aftermath. Sheriff Carr noted the community’s resilience in the face of adversity and ensured that both the community of Bucklin and the County of Ford would offer the necessary support for all affected individuals during the recovery process.
“We are all ‘walking wounded.’ There is a sense of resiliency that has already been observed. The community of Bucklin and the County of Ford are, and will do, what is needed to provide the support needed for those involved as each recovers from this personal and community loss.” Carr said. He further emphasized the communal grief and extended condolences to the family and friends left behind, who now face more questions than answers.
Following the identification of the family, the community poured in with messages of support and fond memories of the victims. One person on Facebook remembered Robyn as someone with “the biggest heart,” cherishing their friendship over the years.
The same individual recalled young Stormi’s infectious smile, describing it as “priceless.”
While the exact cause of this incident remains undetermined, it serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers associated with renovation and construction projects.
