A propane tank overfilled at a local supply store caused the deadly explosion that leveled Jimbo’s Auto Repair in Hillsboro, OH, killing three workers in late 2023, according to newly released state findings.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office has concluded that a 100-pound propane cylinder -- filled just hours before the incident -- was the source of the Nov. 28, 2023, explosion that destroyed much of the repair shop. Surveillance footage captured the 5:02 p.m. blast, which sent a plume of black smoke into the air and resulted in three fatalities.
Investigators determined the tank, manufactured in 1950 and last re-certified in 1978, had a defective safety valve and should never have been filled. The report also noted the tank was filled outdoors in cold temperatures -- 27º Fahrenheit -- and then brought inside, where the warmer environment caused the gas to expand rapidly.
This expansion released a dense propane vapor cloud inside the shop, which ignited upon contact with the open flame of a ceiling-mounted furnace, resulting in the fatal fireball.
State fire officials found an employee at Dance’s Steel and Farm Supply, located about 3 miles from the auto repair shop, filled four 100-pound propane tanks for shop owner James Chambers. One of the tanks was brought into the shop, while the others were taken to Chambers' residence.
A day after the explosion, Chambers documented continued off-gassing from the remaining tanks -- an issue that reportedly persisted for over two weeks.
Despite being named in the report, the employee who allegedly filled the tanks has not been charged with a crime. According to investigators, Dance’s Steel and Farm Supply lacked procedures for tracking or measuring propane quantities during dispensing. The employee recalled multiple details about the propane delivery on Nov. 28, yet denied remembering actually filling the tanks.
“You didn't fill them. Or you don't remember filling them?” a state investigator asked during an April 2024 interview.
“I didn't fill ‘em, because I’d remember,” the employee replied.
Investigators further noted that two days after the explosion, they prevented the same employee from filling expired or defective propane tanks.
On Feb. 28, 2025, Hillsboro City Prosecutor Randalyn Worley and special counsel David Kelly informed the Fire Marshal’s Office that no criminal charges would be filed. In a statement to WCPO, Worley said, “My office has thoroughly reviewed the investigation and has determined that the elements of negligent homicide cannot be met through the evidence presented by the State Fire Marshal.”
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families and individuals affected by the tragic explosion,” Worley added.
With no charges filed, the State Fire Marshal’s Office officially closed the case.
