Jan. 26, 2026
GOTHAM, Wis. (AP) — Two people were seriously injured after an explosion leveled a home in rural Richland County on Saturday evening, authorities said.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office reported that dispatchers began receiving calls about a loud blast near the Village of Gotham around 8:26 p.m. Deputies arrived on Needle Lane and found a residence completely destroyed.
Richard and Mary Oman, who were inside the home at the time of the explosion, were discovered nearby in a vehicle trying to stay warm. Both suffered significant burns and other injuries, officials said.
Emergency crews from Lone Rock Fire, Lone Rock EMS, and Richland EMS responded to the scene. The couple was first taken to Richland Hospital and later flown by Med Flight to UW-Madison Hospital. Richland Fire assisted in creating a landing zone for the helicopter.
Statements gathered at the scene indicate the couple smelled gas inside the home around 5 p.m. but did not investigate further. After the blast, Richard Oman freed Mary from debris before they sought shelter in a vehicle.
Authorities said foul play is not suspected, but the investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.
Add comment