HOUSTON MAN DIES IN EXPLOSION

PERRY - A Houston County man was killed Monday afternoon in a
methamphetamine lab-related incident, authorities said.

Robert Shane Gilbert, 27, of the Perry area, was attempting to manufacture
a key ingredient of methamphetamine in a propane tank when the propane tank
exploded, said Houston County sheriff's Sgt. Wayne Franklin, a narcotics
investigator.

The tank, which exploded from pressure built up by a chemical reaction
inside, sent thick pieces of shrapnel shooting into the air - including a
2-inch to 4-inch piece that struck Gilbert under the right shoulder and
severed an artery, said Franklin.

Gilbert bled to death and died on the scene of the explosion at 104 Thrush
Court in Perry, said Franklin.

Neighbors heard the blast and called 911, said Franklin. "It knocked things
off the walls," he said.

Shrapnel was found as far as 400 yards away in a neighbor's yard, Franklin
said.

Gilbert was attempting to manufacture anhydrous, a pure form of ammonia,
Franklin said.

"There are several recipes out there and they are all very dangerous," he said.

Franklin said the incident remains under investigation.