WPD: Deadly explosion in SE Wichita linked to ‘illegal homemade pyrotechnics manufacturing'

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - The Wichita Police Department said an explosion at an apartment complex in southeast Wichita is potentially linked to illegal homemade pyrotechnics manufacturing.

Wichita police and firefighters were called to the report of a garage fire at an apartment complex at 8406 E. Harry. They arrived to find a garage on the east side of the complex on fire.

Firefighters found a man dead near the garage. They’re working to confirm his identity and inform their next-of-kin.

In response to the incident, additional resources, including detectives, the bomb squad from the Wichita Police Department, Wichita Fire Investigators, and federal investigators from the FBI and ATF, were deployed to the scene.

WPD said the preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was engaged in mixing an unidentified substance before the explosion, potentially linked to illegal homemade pyrotechnics manufacturing.

An ongoing investigation between the Wichita Police Department and the ATF continues.

No one else was hurt.