LEHI, Utah, Oct. 23, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Police investigators have determined that the explosion in a unit at the Lehi Tech Apartments early Tuesday morning was related to a “mental health episode.”
“Authorities have taken the necessary steps to ensure that the individual involved received the help they needed,” says a Lehi City Police statement.
“Charges related to the incident will be submitted to the Utah County Attorney’s office for screening. The specific cause of the explosion will not be released at this time, as it remains part of the ongoing investigation.”
The call came to dispatch at about 4:10 a.m. Tuesday, and Lehi City Police and Lehi Fire responded to the scene, 200 S. 1350 East.
The couple residing in the unit with the explosion “was treated on scene for their minor injuries,” says a statement issued by Lehi Police. “They were not transported to the hospital. No other injuries have been reported.”
“Ninety families have been evacuated from the building, and the Lehi Tech Apartments are allowing the families to stay in unoccupied units away from the scene of the incident until they can return to their homes.”
It was later determined that several apartments had been damaged in the blast.
“Four families will be in different units while their homes are being restored,” Lehi Police spokeswoman Jeanteil Livingston told Gephardt Daily, adding that the residents of the remaining 86 units evacuated had been allowed to return to their apartments.
Lehi City Police had said from early on that the explosion was “suspicious.” The department elected not to release additional details in the case at this time.
“If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or in a crisis, help is available,” the police statement says. “Please call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to speak with a professional. In an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.”
