Earl Scott

Lusk Man Killed in Explosion at Lingle

One Lusk man was fatally injured and another slightly injured when a gas explosion demolished the small house at which they were working Monday afternoon 12 miles south of Lingle.

Earl Scott, 52, an employee of the Wyoming Gas Service for some 12 years, died in the Torrington hospital about 5:00 p.m. Monday, about two hours after the explosion. Glen Darnell, the other employee, was released from the hospital Tuesday.

Mr. Scott and Mr. Darnell had left Lusk early Monday to make several installations, and then went to the Phillip Lawhead farm south of Lingle to check an installation made a week before and hook up the lights. They had made the check and hookup and were about ready to leave and were talking to Mr. Lawhead on the front steps when Darnell said perhaps he'd better check the basement again.

He went down the outside stairway and on opening the door noticed the smell of gas, and had just called back to the other two men when the explosion occurred. The house was demolished and it is believed that flying debris struck Mr. Scott. The house was a small 16x24 structure. No fire occurred and none of the men were burned.

Where the gas leak was or what caused the gas to ignite is not known. The house had previously had a carbide light system unused for several years, and the same line was being used for the new light system.

Mr. Scott was unmarried. Surviving are three brothers and three sisters: Marshall Scott, Marshalltown, Ia.; Charles Scott, Lusk; Amos Scott, Ft. Laramie; Mrs. Lenna Waggoner, Jay Em; Mrs. Rose Johnson, Gordon, Neb.; and Mrs. Gertie Mills, Torrington.

Funeral services are being held today, April 10, at Jay Em at 2:30 p.m.

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