/ Modified jul 30, 2025 5:25 p.m.

Two dead in Southside explosion

Authorities are still investigating the incident that occurred on Monday.

Police Tape, Crime scene tape hero Crime scene tape

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed 55 year old Lawrence Lee Stratch, Jr. succumbed to his injuries at the hospital Wednesday, bringing the death toll of a Southside structure explosion to two.

On Monday afternoon, Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to reports of multiple explosions and structure fire near East Benson Highway and Country Club.

Four people were taken to the hospital, and 58 year old William Breyer died later that day. Two people remain in critical condition, according to a PCSD press release.

Rural Metro Fire has confirmed with other media that the explosion and fire was caused by natural gas but did not respond to AZPM’s requests for comment.

The Sheriff’s Department’s Arson Unit is investigating.

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