Bend, Ore. – The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released the names of the victims from yesterday’s explosion east of Bend.
51 year Steven Todd Preston and 22 year old Austin Tyler Lee both of Oregon City died in the blast.
The tank involved is a 1944 M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer.
“This is a tragic day,” said Sheriff L. Shane Nelson. “Two families lost loved ones, and our hearts and prayers go out to them.”
The sheriff’s office is continuing the investigation into the explosion that occurred inside the tank destroyer. The county is being assisted by the Oregon State Police Arson and Explosives Section, as well as, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigators are working closely with the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.
The on-going investigation has revealed that a film crew was present during the explosion. The film crew was capturing video of the tank destroyer firing rounds. The video was to be used as part of a display of the tank destroyer at a future exhibit.
Autopsies are scheduled for later this week and will be performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
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