Man dies from injuries suffered in Christmas Eve explosion, fire

BELLE, W.Va. — A man who was seriously burned in an explosion and fire at a home in eastern Kanawha County on Christmas Eve has died at the West Penn Burn Center in Pittsburgh.

According to hospital officials, James Selbe, 44, of Belle, was pronounced dead Tuesday evening. He had been transported to the hospital earlier in the day. .

The blaze was reported at about 11 a.m. Tuesday at an apartment on 9th Street in Belle. Nearby residents say they heard an explosion before the fire. 

There was no immediate word on the cause of the blast. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating. An autopsy will be performed on Selbe’s body. 





More News

News
Morrisey: State's permitting and licensing process to be streamlined with "One-Stop-Shop Permitting Portal"
Morrisey says this will help businesses move to WV and "get started here quickly."
July 12, 2025 - 10:00 am
News
A pair of West Virginia murder cases end in life sentences with mercy
Hearings held in Barbour and Wood counties.
July 12, 2025 - 8:59 am
News
Two dead in Pendleton County
Bodies discovered Thursday morning.
July 12, 2025 - 8:49 am
News
Director of "Project Greek Island" in Greenbrier dead at 96
Bugas helped lead the effort to build the bunker in the late 1950's/early 1960's.
July 11, 2025 - 8:50 pm