(WWJ) Investigators say a new stove was the likely culprit in an explosion and fire that killed a Taylor woman last week.
Officials say the victim, identifies as 66-year-old Cynthia Marie Parsell, was watching TV in her mobile home on Fifth Street on Thursday when there was an explosion in the kitchen.
By the time firefighters got to the scene, the entire trailer was engulfed in flames
Taylor Fire Deputy Chief Stan Pochron says investigators determined that the explosion happened near the gas stove, which has just recently been installed by a third party contractor through a home improvement store.
Although a gas leak has not been confirmed, neighbors stated that there was an odor of natural gas prior to the incident.
According to family members, Parsell had been recently diagnosed with cancer, had started chemotherapy, and as a side effect may not have been able to smell if there was a gas leak.
The fire is currently deemed "accidental," officials said, although investigations by companies involved, which could result in possible recall of the stove if needed, are underway.
Those investigations could take up to several months, officials said. Authorities so far have not released any details about the brand or model of the stove.
Meanwhile, DTE is conducting tests on both the gas and electrical meters, which will take several weeks. DTE did check the surrounding area for possible gas and found none, officials said.
Parsell is survived by seven siblings, one daughter and her grandchildren.
