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Two Casino Workers Killed in Blast, Fire

WORLEY, Idaho – As reported by the Spokesman Review: "Two Coeur d'Alene Casino maintenance workers died Thursday morning in an explosion and fire in a large shipping container that may have been used to store fireworks.

"Donald S. Hanson, 56, of Fairfield, Wash., and Richard E. Stokes, 49, of Rockford, Wash., are missing and presumed dead, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department.

"Sheriff's Capt. Ben Wolfinger said the men appear to be victims of 'a tragic accident,' but the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire was not determined. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting in the investigation.

"Wolfinger said an autopsy will be performed next week, and dental records will be used to positively identify both victims.

"…Authorities received a 911 call about 8:43 a.m. reporting a fire and explosion in the metal container about 300 yards from the northwest corner of the casino hotel. Fire crews arrived to find the fire had spread to a nearby pickup truck, which was used by the two workers and owned by the casino, Wolfinger said.

"…The casino, owned by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, employs about 800. It was not evacuated, and casino operations continued as normal…"

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