Investigation into Fatal Rochester House Fire Finished

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Officials say the investigation into a fatal Rochester house fire and subsequent explosion that happened earlier this year has been completed. 

See Also: Wanted Rochester Man Captured After High-Speed Chase and Crash in St. Paul 

The Rochester Fire Department responded to the report of an explosion and found fire coming from three sides of the home when they arrived at the scene around 11:00 on the night of March 31. Responding firefighters also found a woman in the street.

She later died at the scene despite life-saving efforts. The fatal fire occurred in the 2200 block of 49th St. Northwest.

The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office identified the fatal fire victim as 69-year-old Patricia Lynn Spitzack-Havlish. An autopsy determined her death was accidental. 

Get our free mobile app

Rochester Fire Department Announces Completion of Investigation into Fatal House Fire

A news release issued by the Rochester Fire Department on Thursday morning says investigators could not find the cause of the fatal fire due to the amount of destruction it left behind. 

Investigators determined the explosions heard coming from the home were caused by a medical-grade oxygen cylinder. 

The fire had already started by the time the tank exploded and officials believe the tank explosion intensified the flames and worsened the destruction, officials say. 

The investigation, conducted by the Rochester Fire Marshal and Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, did not find evidence of foul play or criminal activity, the news release says.