• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Fires/Accidents/Disasters / Police identify man who caused fatal Rice Lake explosion

Police identify man who caused fatal Rice Lake explosion

January 16, 2017 By Bob Hague

Rice Lake police say a man is dead and an apartment complex is a complete loss as the result of an overnight fire and explosion.

Police responded to the apartment complex on South Main Street shortly after 11:00 p.m. Barron County dispatch had taken a 911 call from a man who was upset and claimed to have a bomb, according to a press release from the Rice Lake Police Department.

Officers arriving on the scene attempted to make contact with 44-year-old Joseph Zunker, who threatened to blow everyone up, according to the release. Officers began evacuating residents as fire and ambulance crews stood by.

A short time later, officers saw Zunker lighting a fire and an explosion occurred. Fire swept through the building, which is a complete loss. Zunker’s body was found inside his apartment. A police officer received minor injuries from flying debris, and a resident received minor injuries while being evacuated.

The Red Cross is assisting the approximately 14 residents left homeless by the fire.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Fires/Accidents/Disasters, News



Featured Stories

Wisconsin public health officials urge continued caution as COVID-19 variants drive an increase in cases

State agencies defend budget priorities at Republican controlled Joint Finance Committee

Alvarez finalizes retirement plans from UW (AUDIO)

Brewers send Arcia to Atlanta

UW Volleyball team awarded the top overall seed in NCAA Tournament

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Alvarez finalizes retirement plans from UW (AUDIO)

Brewers send Arcia to Atlanta

UW Volleyball team awarded the top overall seed in NCAA Tournament

Brewers open their season today, after COVID scare (AUDIO)

Caufield signs with Montreal Canadiens

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2021 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC