Bozeman blast cause to be released

Updated: March 13, 2009 06:41 AM MDT

The cause of the explosion and fire that rocked downtown Bozeman last week is expected to be released Friday morning.

Officials had planned to provide the public with the results of the investigation on Thursday, but Bozeman City Manager Chris Kukulski said that they need to get the okay from a Gallatin County District Judge.

"All the information gathered in the investigation is considered confidential criminal justice information, which by law we are prohibited from releasing without a court order. We are anticipating that order being signed (Friday) morning."

Kukulski said that although the city thinks it needs a court order to release the cause of the blast, that does not mean criminal charges are being filed.

Last week's explosion leveled three buildings along East Main Street, destroyed six businesses and claimed the life of Tara Bowman, 36.

A press conference to announce the investigation's findings is scheduled for 10:00 Friday morning