Family mourns woman killed in car explosion: ‘I told her I loved her’

LEBANON, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - A video released Thursday shows a powerful car explosion that left one woman dead and three firefighters injured in Oregon.

The explosion happened on West Grant Street in Lebanon on May 24.

In the video, firefighters can be seen working to extinguish the fire that started in a car owned by Kathryn Bartels when the vehicle suddenly explodes, throwing firefighters backward and sending debris into the air.

Bartels was killed in the explosion.

Bartels’ son, Kenneth, spoke about their relationship and the factors that led to the deadly explosion.

He said she was living in the car that exploded, and that she had a propane stove and an oxygen tank inside that likely sparked the fire and explosion.

Kenneth said he and his mother were estranged and that she struggled with alcohol for years.

However, a few weeks ago, the two put aside their differences and talked on the phone for what would be the last time.

“It was a really good call. You know, I told her I loved her... you know, she expressed some things about her life that were positive for her and I told her that was great, and I’m really glad that we had that good call before she ed because obviously I didn’t know that was going to be the last time I spoke with her,” Kenneth said.

Kenneth said his family is now hoping to raise money for funeral expenses so that they can honor his mother.

Kenneth re his mom loved music, particularly music from the 1980s and the Scorpions.

He said they want to scatter her ashes in Alaska, which is considered special by the family and is where he grew up with them.

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