Investigation Continues In May 27 Explosion

The explosion scattered contents of the house.

TILLATOBA – An investigation continues into a home explosion that killed two people on May 27. Yalobusha EMA Director Stewart Spence reported that authorities believe that propane leaked from the vicinity of a stove in the house. The residence was located on County Road 272, several miles north of Tillatoba and just west of Hwy. 51.

The propane ignited, causing a massive explosion that rocked houses in the area. People reported hearing the blast from as Water Valley and Spence told the Herald the scene looked like a debris field from a tornado. Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch has reported foul play is not suspected.

According to unofficial reports, the victims are Catherine Benson, age 77, and her son, Joseph Garfield, age 57. Coroner Ronnie Stark reported that the bodies will be sent to the State Medical Examiners office in Jackson Thursday. Stark said DNA testing is scheduled to confirm the victims’ identities