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Authorities in Nebraska are investigating an alleged multiple-fatal incident that multiple witnesses say involved an explosion early Thursday morning.
In a press conference Thursday afternoon, the Nebraska State Patrol said it is investigating two separate crime scenes where four people were found dead in Laurel, Nebraska early Thursday morning.
Col. John A. Bolduc said during the press conference that police responded to a 911 call about an explosion that started a fire at a Laurel residence around 3 a.m. Thursday and located a dead person inside the house.
While the scene was being investigated, Bolduc says another house fire was reported three blocks away and three people were found dead at that location.
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Authorities responded to calls of an explosion and fire at a home in Laurel, Neb. Thursday morning (Siouxland News)
Investigators are still processing the second scene and Bolduc says foul play is suspected.
Bolduc said a black man was seen leaving town in a silver sedan and is considered a suspect in the case. It is believed the suspect may have picked up an additional passenger before leaving town.
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Colonel John A. Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol, speaks at a press conference (Nebraska State Patrol Facebook)
Fire investigators believe an accelerant was used in both fires and that the suspect or suspects were possibly burned during the flames.
Bolduc said it “would be a stretch” to conclude there was no connection between the two events.
The medical examiner is still determining the cause of death.
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Authorities responded to calls of an explosion and fire at a home in Laurel, Neb. Thursday morning (Siouxland News)
“Our hearts go out to the community of Laurel, it’s a close-knit community, and we’re going to do everything we can to bring this case to a conclusion as quickly as we can,” Bolduc said at the end of the press conference.
Andrew Mark Miller is a writer for Fox News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to AndrewMark.Miller@Fox.com.