CLEARWATER COUNTY, ID – Tragedy struck the small town of Cardiff, Idaho, on September 11, when a devastating explosion rocked a local gas station, claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving two others gravely injured. The incident occurred as a fuel tanker was offloading gas, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community and sparking a thorough investigation into the cause.
The victims who tragically lost their lives have been identified as 53-year-old Brandon Cook from Orofino and 62-year-old Wesley Lineberry from Pierce. Both men were at the gas station at the time of the explosion, and their bodies were recovered the following day. Autopsies conducted in Spokane confirmed that both men died due to blunt force trauma resulting from the force of the explosion. These deaths have deeply saddened the community, as both men were well-known and respected in their respective towns.
Among the survivors of the blast is 45-year-old Donny Billeter, the driver of the fuel tanker, who sustained severe burns and was airlifted to a specialized burn center in Seattle. His family has since created a GoFundMe page to help cover the mounting medical bills and everyday expenses during his recovery. Encouragingly, Billeter’s condition has improved, and doctors have moved him out of the ICU, with his current status listed as satisfactory. Despite the progress, his road to recovery is expected to be long and challenging.
Another survivor, 35-year-old gas station attendant Roxann Hubbs, also sustained severe injuries in the explosion. Employed by Atkinson Distributing, the company that owns the gas station and the fuel tanker, Hubbs was working at the station when the blast occurred. She remains in the ICU, with her condition closely monitored by medical professionals. Her family has also established a GoFundMe campaign to support her medical costs, travel expenses, and the loss of wages during her recovery.
The explosion happened as Billeter was performing a routine fuel offloading task at the gas station. The facility, a key stop for local loggers and travelers, is located near a small convenience store and operates primarily during the busy logging season. Though the exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation.
Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl, who is leading the investigation, has indicated that determining the exact cause of the explosion may take weeks. While mechanical failure or human error has not been ruled out, investigators are meticulously examining every possible factor that could have led to the tragedy. The examination of the tanker, fueling equipment, and other remnants will be crucial in identifying the root cause. Sandahl emphasized the need for precision in such complex investigations, which require patience and technical expertise to ensure nothing is overlooked.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the Cardiff community has rallied around the victims and their families. Friends, neighbors, and local residents have expressed their sympathy through donations, prayers, and supportive messages. The GoFundMe pages for Billeter and Hubbs have received significant financial contributions, with the funds set to assist with medical expenses and help the families cope with the financial burdens brought on by the tragedy.
Local businesses have also come forward to offer assistance. Cardiff is known for its close-knit nature, and the tragedy has further highlighted the strong sense of community that binds its residents together. Vigils have been held to honor the victims, and businesses have contributed by offering discounts and donating proceeds to the affected families.
As the investigation continues, Fire Marshal Sandahl and his team are working diligently to uncover the precise events that led to the explosion. Whether mechanical failure, human error, or some other factor was to blame remains to be determined. Authorities are committed to ensuring that a comprehensive analysis is conducted to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Sandahl stressed that investigations of this nature take time due to the complexity of analyzing equipment failures and operational procedures. Ensuring that such tragedies are avoided in the future requires a deep understanding of all the contributing factors. Meanwhile, the company responsible for the gas station and fuel tanker, Atkinson Distributing, has pledged full cooperation with the authorities, offering any assistance necessary to expedite the investigation.
The people of Cardiff, though heartbroken by the loss of life and the suffering endured by survivors, remain resilient. As they await answers, the community’s focus is on providing support to those affected and taking steps to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
This tragic explosion has left an indelible mark on Cardiff, a town that prides itself on its unity and strength. As the investigation continues, the victims’ families and survivors are receiving vital support from their community, showcasing the profound compassion and solidarity that exist in small towns like Cardiff.