BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – Authorities have released the name of the man killed in Thursday’s explosion and fire in Brookings.

Assistant Police Chief Derrick Powers says 56-year-old Robert Fryer was found dead on the first floor of the building after the fire was under control. Powers says they were awaiting the completion of an autopsy before releasing the man’s name.

Fire Chief Darrell Hartmann says they believe the cause of the fire was a mechanical issue that caused a natural gas leak. There were flames throughout the structure when firefighters arrived and neighboring buildings were evacuated. The back portion of the building was detached by the explosion.

The house is a rental property and was separated into three apartments.