Teen Dead, 5 Injured After Explosion

A house explosion in Louisiana has killed a teen and injured five others, shocking the community of Ragley.

At a Glance

Investigators are determining the cause of an explosion in Ragley, Louisiana.
The explosion destroyed a home, killing a teenage boy and injuring five others.
The incident occurred on Saturday.
The explosion leveled the house, scattered debris, and damaged nearby structures.

Details of the Tragic Explosion

On Saturday morning, a home in Ragley, Louisiana, approximately 20 miles north of Lake Charles, was leveled by a sudden explosion. The tragic incident resulted in the death of Deuce Barrere, a 16-year-old boy from Theodore, Alabama. Five other individuals, including Barrere’s mother Katherine and sister Brooklyn, were injured and hospitalized. These victims were in stable but critical condition as of September 1. Two days later, a report revealed that Brooklyn was still fighting third and fourth degree burns, while Katherine was faring better with third degree burns.

The explosion occurred in the 1100 block of Pullin Road, scattering debris across the area and damaging nearby vehicles and a metal outbuilding. Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

According to nearby residents, the explosion felt like an earthquake. Shock waves from the blast knocked items to the floor and led to power outages in the vicinity. The force of the explosion was strong enough to rattle homes and vehicles, creating a significant disturbance in the neighborhood.

JUST IN: A house explosion in southwest Louisiana killed a 16-year-old boy and injured his mother and sister, all from Theodore. https://t.co/jWybRj7rwb

— WKRG (@WKRG) September 1, 2024

Identifying the Victims

The deceased, Deuce Barrere, was identified as a Theodore High School cheerleader. His passing has deeply affected friends, family, and classmates, who gathered in Dauphin Island, Alabama, to pay their respects and share memories. His best friend, Jaedin Wilson, and girlfriend, Adalynn Hall, shared moving tributes. Hall stated, “When I was upset, he always made sure it was good before I left, and he always made sure everybody here was happy.”

“When I was upset, he always made sure it was good before I left, and he always made sure everybody here was happy,” said Adalynn Hall, who claimed to be Barrere’s girlfriend.

Deuce’s mother, Katherine, and his older sister, Brooklyn, are hospitalized with severe burns. Three other people were injured, but a toddler present in the house was not harmed and is now under the care of relatives. The identities of the other injured people are unclear.

Investigation and Community Impact

The investigation into the cause of the explosion is being led by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “an unimaginable tragedy for this family and community.”

Ragley residents continue to grapple with the devastation caused by the explosion. The close-knit community is offering support to the affected family through prayers, donations, and gatherings in memory of Deuce Barrere. His classmates held a tribute for him on Dauphin Island, a testament to the impact he had on those around him.