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Use of Combustable Gas Likely the Cause of Explosion at Coryell Co. Farm

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The cause of an explosion on a Coryell County farm that killed one man and injured two others has been confirmed. 

Coryell County Sheriff Johnny Burks says the men were filling plastic bags full of acetylene, a chemical commonly used for cutting torches in welding. 

"We're just trying to make sure, exactly what they were doing," said Burks. "We're not sure exactly why they were exploding these devices or filling up their bags with acetylene."

An investigation into the explosion by the ATF revealed the men were planning on setting the bags on fire so they could watch them explode. 

50-year-old Steve Langenegger remains in serious condition at Hillcrest. 24-year-old Jan Vanmerwe is also in serious condition at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

55-year-old Charl Swart was killed in the explosion. All of the victims are from McGregor. 

The explosion happened Sunday evening at Huffman Farms outside of McGregor in eastern Coryell County.

This case remains open until forensic results are available through the ATF. 

Jill Ament is a reporter at KWBU. She hails from right here in Central Texas, growing up down the road in Gatesville. She graduated from Texas State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication in May of 2012.