CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say an explosion at a Cedar Falls motel that killed a man occurred when he lit a cigarette, causing gas to ignite.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety said Friday that investigators determined the Oct. 10 explosion at the Shady Rest Motel happened when occupant Matthew David Ferleman blew out the pilot light of a gas appliance in his room overnight in an attempt to kill himself. Ferleman awoke the next morning and lit a cigarette, causing the explosion.
The 43-year-old Ferleman died several hours after the explosion.
An autopsy determined Ferleman died from burns.
The explosion damaged at least nine rooms at the business.
