ONEONTA – Officials released more information after an Oneonta resident was killed in an explosion Saturday night.

New York State Fire Prevention and Control, with assistance from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office, have determined the cause of the incident at 18 Richards Avenue to be accidental as a result of human error. Initial reports said a gas odor was detected prior to the explosion.

On Saturday evening NY Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement on X: “This evening, a house explosion occurred in Otsego County, and tragically one fatality has been confirmed. Prior to the explosion, NYSEG was on site responding to a reported gas odor. We're grateful for the swift work of first responders working to keep residents safe.”

60-year-old Desmond D. Moan perished in the blast.

Residents affected by this event that require housing can contact the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services at 607-547-5351. The Otsego County Office of Emergency Services in partnership with the American Red Cross are working on providing additional resources including, disaster mental health services.

The State of Emergency remains in effect and there will be no access to the affected area until authorized by Town of Oneonta officials.

Assisting in the investigation was the Town of Oneonta, City of Oneonta Fire Department, Otsego County Office of Emergency Services, Otsego County Special Operations Team, NYS Police, NYSEG and NYS Department of Public Services.

– Information from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office