Two people were found dead in a Soldotna cabin Sunday after a propane oven was left in the on position, the Alaska State Troopers reported Monday. Mary Beltz, 61, and Michael Hanno, 64, both of Soldotna, were the only occupants of the cabin and were declared deceased at the scene, according to a trooper dispatch.
Troopers were notified of two deceased adults at a resident in Soldotna at around 7:37 p.m. on Sunday. Their preliminary investigation found that a propane oven had inadvertently been left on while not lit, filling the cabin with propane, the dispatch said. The remains of both adults were sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and next of kin were notified, the dispatch said.
According to AmeriGas Propane, the largest retail propane distributor in the United States, dangerous propane can be detected in multiple ways. A smell like rotten eggs or skunk spray can indicate a propane leak. Yellow or irregular flames indicate that propane isn’t burning properly, which could mean carbon monoxide is being released. Because propane burns clear, there should be no soot in or around your appliances.
Outdoor propane appliances, such as portable heaters, grills and generators, should never be used indoors or in enclosed areas. Similarly, propane tanks should not be stored indoors.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
