Lemon Grove
An elderly couple died early Sunday when a gas leak in the kitchen of their home ignited, causing an explosion and fire, authorities said.
The bodies of William Wood, 90, a retired San Diego Fire Department battalion chief, and his wife Jewel, 89, were burned beyond recognition, according to Deputy Coroner Robert Engel. The fire began about 4 a.m. in their home at 2805 Dennis Lane.
William Wood, whose body was found on the kitchen floor, apparently set off the explosion when he attempted to light the stove to make tea, Engel said. His wife’s body was found on the bedroom floor, he said.
Firefighters from Lemon Grove, San Diego, Santee and the San Miguel Fire Prevention District responded to the blaze, which caused about $65,000 damage, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
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