Four Found Dead in Laurel Home Explosions, Foul Play Suspected

Aug. 4, 2022, 4 p.m. ·

Colonel John Bolduc answers questions at a press conference in Laurel, Nebraska
John Bolduc, colonel of the Nebraska State Patrol, speaks at a press conference on Thursday, August 4, 2022. (Photo via Nebraska State Patrol livestream)

The Nebraska State Patrol and the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday the agencies are investigating two crime scenes and four deaths in the small town of Laurel, Nebraska.

About 45 miles west of Sioux City, the town of nearly 1,000 had one home catch fire and explode early Thursday morning, according to John Bolduc, the colonel of the Nebraska State Patrol. That explosion killed one resident. A few hours later, another home a few blocks from the first home also caught fire, killing three.

Bolduc said the agency suspects foul play and will continue investigating the situation.

"Incidents like this can shake a community, but I want to emphasize that we have an outstanding public safety team on scene here with a number of our partners to keep the community safe," he said.

The state patrol will look for a silver sedan that was reportedly driven by a man leaving Laurel after the explosions Bolduc said. He declined to release identities of those killed in the explosions or many other details, citing the ongoing investigation. Another news briefing is expected Friday.