Update Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney reports the man injured in the explosion at Jerry Ivey Park died at 2:22 PM Monday afternoon.

The Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office will be assisting the Salina Fire Department, and Salina Police Department in trying to determine the source of an explosion early Monday afternoon in a pickup in Jerry Ivey Park, just east of Salina South High School.

Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney said the explosion occurred just before 12:30pm. When emergency crews arrived, they found a man critically injured on the ground next to the pickup. The explosion occurred inside the cab of the pickup. Sweeney said Jerry Ivey Park will remain closed until the investigation is completed.

The administration at Salina South made the decision to keep students in the building, so not to interfere with the emergency personnel responding to the explosion. Students who had afternoon classes out of building did not leave South High until 1:35 to attend those classes. The rest of the classes continued as usual.

Sweeney did not know if additional information will be released Monday.

12:47 Authorities are setting up barriers to keep the park closed as the investigation in to what caused the Monday afternoon explosion continues.

12:36 One victim from the car explosion is being transported to the hospital. Law enforcement personnel are working to obtain additional details from the victim on what may have caused the blast.  Authorities are also questioning witnesses who were in the area.

 

12:27 p.m. The fire is out but at least one individual has been injured in what was described as a car explosion. Responders are being careful to avoid a secondary explosion.

The adjacent park is being evacuated.

12:21 p.m. First responders have been dispatched to report of car explosion on Edwards Street in Salina, near South High School.

One individual has been injured.

Check Salina Post for more information as it becomes available.