Deadly explosion in Las Cruces duplex ruled accidental
UPDATE (June 1, 2026) -- Investigation revealed the explosion and fire was an accident, according to the Las Cruces Fire Department.
The explosion came from the trunk of a car in the garage, LCFD and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives learned.
An acetylene cylinder in the trunk fueled the explosion, LCFD said. Acetylene is a highly flammable gas used for welding, LCFD said.
The cylinder was in the car because it was being borrowed, Las Cruces fire reported.
Carbon monoxide alarms in the garage activated earlier the morning of the explosion, LCFD said. Investigators can't determine if the alarms were tied to the acetylene leak. Some combustible gases can cause carbon monoxide alarms to go off, according to the fire department.
LCFD said compressed gas cylinders should be stored and moved in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and industry safety standards. Acetylene cylinders should stay upright, in well-ventilated areas and away from heat and ignition sources.
The person who died after the explosion hasn't been identified, according to LCFD. Their remains went to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, which will look into the official cause of death.
Residents who lived in the neighborhood are able to go back to their homes, LCFD said.
(Courtesy: LCFD)
UPDATE (2:25 p.m.) -- Las Cruces police said firefighters found a body inside the duplex.
Police said the victim's body will go to the New Mexico Medical Investigator's Office in Albuquerque for an autopsy. The victim hasn't been identified.
Firefighters are looking through the debris from the fire to look for other possible victims, police said.
Investigators are helping find out what caused the fire.
Police said part of the duplex's garage collapsed because of the fire. Two cars were inside.
Besides smoke damage, police said there was little damage done to the other half of the duplex. Residents who lived in the other half are getting help from the American Red Cross while they're temporarily displaced, police said.
ABC-7 is sending a reporter to the scene to learn more.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) -- Las Cruces firefighters are putting out what the department called a "sudden" fire at a duplex home after a reported explosion Thursday.
The Las Cruces Fire Department said it happened on the 2600 block of Fairway Drive near CanAm Highway. Someone reported the explosion after 11 a.m., according to LCFD on Facebook.
Firefighters don't know what caused the explosion. The fire that happened after damaged part of the duplex.
A part of the duplex collapsed.
LCFD said Fairway Drive between Telshor Boulevard and Don Roser Drive closed.
