Man suffers life-threatening injures after explosion at home in northwest Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — First responders from multiple Linn County agencies responded to a house explosion Thursday afternoon in northwest Cedar Rapids.

Emergency crews from Linn County, Palo, Cedar Rapids, Monroe, Hiawatha, Fairfax, Atkins and Shellsburg responded just after 2 p.m. to a residence at 5902 Rogers Rd. NW, where residents in the area reported hearing a loud boom, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff's officers told local news at the scene to stay back because they were concerned ammunition near the home could cause subsequent explosions.

The sheriff's office said Joshua Thomas, 24, of Marion was working on the property when an explosion occurred in the residence.

Officials said Thomas sustained several injuries and severe burns. He was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for treatment of what appeared to be life-threatening injuries, the sheriff's office said.

Thomas was the only person at the residence, authorities said.

The sheriff's office said the explosion remains under investigation. No cause has been identified.

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