90-year-old man dies in lawn tractor explosion at Seneca County home

Tiffin, Ohio — A lawn tractor explosion resulted in the death of a 90-year-old man at his residence located at 1613 East St. Rte. 18 in Clinton Township on Thursday. The incident was reported to the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office via a 911 call.

Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered an active fire pit area that had caused a partial brush fire. They also observed a lawn tractor near the fire pit, which had extensive fire damage. A male subject, identified as Paul Chapman, was found lying next to the lawn tractor and appeared to have sustained life-threatening injuries, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, Chapman was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.

The Seneca County Sheriff’s Detectives, Seneca County Deputies, Seneca County Coroner’s Office, Clinton Township Fire, Tiffin Fire EMS, Tiffin Police Department, and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to assist with the investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends,” Sheriff Fred Stevens said in the release.

The investigation will continue with the assistance of the fire marshal’s office.