Woman killed in ‘lab’ explosion

From staff reports

June 19, 2009 06:23 pm

— The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an explosion that killed a woman in the Seven Points area Thursday. One man was arrested in connection to the blast, which is still being investigated.
Twenty-eight-year old Joseph Myers was booked into the Henderson County Jail Thursday on a charge of manufacturing with intent to deliver a controlled substance (4 grams to 200 grams). Myers could face additional charges, Sheriff Ray Nutt said.
Sheriff’s office dispatch received a call Thursday night that a woman had been injured in an explosion in the Blanton Ranch Estates subdivision. The Seven Points Fire Department and East Texas Medical Center Gun Barrel EMS were the first responders at the residence.
No other injuries were reported.
Rescue personnel attended to the injured woman, then transported her to ETMC Gun Barrel. She was transferred to Parkland Medical Center in Dallas where she later died. An autopsy on the woman is being conducted by Southwest Medical Center in Dallas.
Authorities were still withholding the name of the woman Friday afternoon, pending notification of next of kin.
The Henderson County Drug Enforcement Unit, along with deputies and investigators from the sheriff’s office, conducted a search of the house. Officers located methamphetamine and chemicals that can be used to manufacture methamphetamine. After concluding the search, investigators arrested Myers without incident.
HCSO reports said several people were inside the residence in addition to Myers and the victim. Investigators notified Child Protective Services concerning a child who was with Myers at the time of the arrest.