Man, 67, dies in explosion near Jersey Shore

A man died on Wednesday in an explosion that quickly turned into a structure fire at the Lakewood Housing Authority, officials said.

According to police, Ronald Prichard, 67, was killed in an explosion that happened in his housing unit in the Lakewood Housing Authority on Sampson Avenue at about 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday.

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Officials said that first responders to the scene found Prichard suffering from serious injuries and he was immediately transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced.

According to investigators, the explosion originated in the bedroom of the housing unit and of the explosion was likely caused by the "release of natural gas to an open flame."

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Officials did not report any other injuries as a result of this incident.