‘The Hand Sanitizer Blew Up!’ Explosion in Evansville Leads to Felony Charges

An explosion on the Evansville's west side has resulted in a woman being badly burned, multiple felony charges for one man, and a child being removed from the home.

Explosion Reported on Evansville’s West Side

According to details shared by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office, the law enforcement agency, alongside German Township and McCutchanville Fire Departments, responded to an explosion that occurred on Tuesday afternoon.

A 'Loud Explosion' and Smoke on Saint Joseph Avenue

They say that at approximately 4:43 pm on May 20, 2025, they received reports of a "loud explosion" and smoke visible from the backyard of a home in the 3400 block of Saint Joseph Avenue.

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Woman Airlifted After Suffering Severe Burns

When first responders arrived on the scene, they said a smoky haze was in the air but that no flames were seen in the area. They encountered a visibly distraught woman who authorities say had signs of what appeared to be a severe chemical burn across her chest.

'The Hand Sanitizer Blew Up!'

Before being airlifted to a regional burn center to undergo extensive treatment for her injuries, the woman proclaimed, "The hand sanitizer blew up!" when authorities asked about what had happened.

Authorities Investigate Scene, Find Hand Sanitizer Used as Accelerant

While investigating the scene, authorities from Vanderburgh County found a partially burned tote that contained a "dirt-like substance," in addition to a partially melted chemical container. They say the tote was still warm to the touch and found to have a hose connected to it.

A large quantity of hand sanitizer was also found at the scene. Authorities report that it appeared as though the hand sanitizer had been used as an accelerant to ignite cardboard for a backyard campfire. They say they believe it was the hand sanitizer that contributed to the explosion due to its high flammability.

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Child Found Living in Unsafe Conditions, Taken Into DCS Custody

Authorities say the woman's boyfriend, Zachary Simmons, lives in the home with her and was detained outside during the investigation. A young child who also lives in the home full-time was present during the explosion and found to be living in an unsafe environment.

The VCSO requested the assistance of the Evansville Police Department's Bomb Squad, along with the Indiana State Fire Marshall's Office, because of the nature of the explosion. Additionally, neighboring homes were evacuated temporarily out of an abundance of caution, and all lanes of Saint Joseph Avenue were closed to traffic for several hours.

Drug Paraphernalia, Meth, and Mold Found Inside Home

Once a warrant was obtained for the residence shared by the woman, the child, and Simmons, authorities found "several items" indicating that illegal drugs were being used and possessed inside the home, including burnt residue inside a glass pipe, and containers of what authorities believe to be marijuana. Additional marijuana and a white crystalline substance that was later confirmed to be methamphetamine were found inside a safe in the home.

Evansville Home Described by Authorities as 'Troubling'

Authorities describe the state of the residence as "troubling." In addition to illegal drugs being found in areas of the home that could be easily accessible to children, there was "mold-covered food" found throughout the home as well. The Indiana Department of Child Services was contacted, and the agency took custody of the child.

Zachary Simmons Faces Multiple Charges Following Explosion

While no evidence of explosives or narcotics manufacturing was found at the scene, 40-year-old Zachary Simmons is facing the following charges, according to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office:

• Possession of Methamphetamine - a Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent - a Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Marijuana - a Class B Misdemeanor

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Investigation Into Woman’s Injuries Remains Ongoing

Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the injuries sustained by the woman are still under investigation at this time. The full press release can be found at VanderburghSheriff.org.