LINCOLN COUNTY- Fire investigators in Lincoln County have confirmed a gas leak was responsible for Wednesday morning’s house explosion and fire at a rural residence on 290th Road south of Beverly, according to Sheriff Mike Weigel.

Connie Whelan, 59, was home at the time of the blast and remains hospitalized in critical condition in Wichita, according to Weigel.

Her husband William was at work in Salina.

A neighbor just south of the residence heard the explosion, drove to the scene and called emergency responders.

The Kansas Fire Marshal’s office assisted with the investigation.

“We have not determined the point of ignition,” said Weigel.

Beverly is located approximately 36 miles northwest of Salina on K-18 Highway between Lincoln and Tescott.