Ritzville PD investigating explosion at apartment complex

Ritzville Police and Ritzville Fire Department responded to an explosion at the Sonnendorf Apartments just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 26.

The call came into dispatch advising of an explosion occurring in Apartment 23 of the complex.

The explosion blew out three windows in the second-floor apartment, leaving glass on the sidewalk below.

Upon arrival, fire department personnel forced entry into the apartment. According to Ritzville Police Chief David McCormick, four adults had been in the apartment at the time of the explosion. Fortunately, none of the individuals were injured in the explosion.

One adult male fled the scene on foot and could not be located. The three remaining subjects from the apartment have been interviewed.

The initial investigation revealed at least one of the occupants had been in the process of extracting THC oil from marijuana with butane, while using a butane honey oil extraction lab, McCormick said.

It is believed the explosion occurred when a vent fan was switched on and sparked, causing the butane gasses present in the apartment to explode.

The Ritzville Police Department is attempting to complete interviews with all of the subjects present at the time of the explosion.

The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to determine who caused the explosion.

The ATF has been notified and is assisting with the investigation.