LV man dies in house explosion

A man was killed early this morning after lighting a cigarette inside his home and Clark County Fire investigators say natural gas from an intentionally unhooked pipe was the cause.

The home exploded into flames about 4:10 a.m. and shook the neighborhood surrounding the house at 4936 E. Harmon Ave., near Mountain Vista Street. The explosion awakened neighbors and scattered glass shards and debris across the street.

A preliminary investigation discovered that a pipe used to feed gas to a dryer in the back of the house was unhooked.

"It appears that the natural gas supply was intentionally disconnected recently," said Bob Leinbach, fire department spokesman.

The victim, whose identity has been withheld until relatives are notified, is believed to have been smoking near the living room when the tragedy happened. His body was found on the kitchen floor, Leinbach said.

Neighbors told authorities that the man lived alone inside the two-bedroom house and that his wife had recently moved out.

Firefighters extinguished the flames within 10 minutes after breaking in through the front door, Leinbach said.

Firefighters suspect that the man died of smoke inhalation, although an autopsy will be performed to confirm the cause of death.

A damage estimate has been placed at $70,000. The investigation is continuing.

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