DATE: May 20th, 2025
SUBJECT: Deputies Investigating Explosion in Northwestern Vanderburgh County
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-NR-0520
CONTACT: Lt. Erik Nilssen
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On May 20th, 2025 at approximately 4:43pm the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, the German Township Fire Department, and the McCutchanville Fire Department responded to reports of a loud explosion and smoke in the backyard of a residence in the 3400-BLK of Saint Joseph Avenue.
Upon arrival, Deputies and fire personnel identified smoke and a haze in the area, but no visible flames. A female subject was found at the scene suffering from apparent chemical burns and was heard screaming for help by neighbors. The situation escalated when Deputies observed suspicious materials near the source of the fire. Due to the nature of the reported incident and injuries sustained to the victim, the Evansville Police Department Bomb Squad and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office were requested and responded to the scene. At this time, no explosives or narcotics manufacturing materials have been located at the scene.
The injured female was airlifted to a burn center for advanced medical treatment.
As a precaution, homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated and all lanes of Saint Joseph Avenue were temporarily closed for several hours.
This incident and the facts surrounding the explosion remain under investigation. Criminal charges related to this incident are forthcoming.
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