2 Dead in Explosion at Jasper County Home

RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (AP) _ Two people have died after an explosion in the garage of a home in Jasper County. Coroner Martin Sauls says 61-year-old Harry Drayton and 21-year-old Maurice Thomas were declared dead following the explosion about 6 p.m. Monday. It’s not clear what caused the explosion. But Sauls says the two men were working in the garage at the time. He says it’s possible someone was drilling and the sparks ignited flammable liquids. Authorities say a large fire followed the explosion. Local officials and the State Law Enforcement Division are investigating. The home is located in a rural section of the county about 15 miles northwest of Ridgeland.