By Crash News Writer 
Tucson, AZ (July 31, 2025) — A powerful explosion and subsequent fire at an apartment complex in Pima County have claimed two lives and left another individual in critical condition.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at the Howdy Manor Apartments located at 3210 East Benson Highway, near South Country Club Road. Authorities from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have identified the deceased as 58-year-old William Breyer and 55-year-old Lawrence Lee Stratch Jr.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the explosion, which Rural Metro Fire has preliminarily linked to a natural gas source. The fire severely damaged part of the complex, and a third victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by both fire officials and law enforcement.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.