Blast kills man in Shawnee

Federal authorities are investigating the death of a 23-year-old man who was killed Monday in an industrial accident in Shawnee.

Police and firefighters found Nicholas Jerde of Kansas City dead after an explosion about 9:30 a.m. at Rieke Grading, 8200 Hedge Lane Terrace.

According to initial reports, Jerde was using an acetylene torch to free a valve on a vacuum truck when the explosion occurred. It appeared that Jerde ignited vapors inside the truck.

No other injuries were reported.

Shawnee Fire Marshal Corey Sands said the Occupational Safety & Health Administration was called to investigate the incident.