Explosion deaths ruled as accidents

By The Associated Press | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, November 4, 2009

HATTIESBURG (AP) — Forrest County Sheriff Billy McGee says the cause of the Saturday explosion that killed two teenagers may never be determined.

McGee told The Hattiesburg American on Tuesday that a lighter was found 30 to 50 feet from the oil holding tank that exploded around 4 a.m., killing 16-year-old Devon Byrd and 18-year-old Wade White.

But he said it would be speculative to connect the lighter to the tragedy.

McGee also said it was unlikely the teens were out hunting. He said no guns were found near the site.

The tank is owned by Delphi Oil Co., which is based in Baton Rouge, La. Spokesman Joe Brooks said the company would not comment on the incident.