An explosion and fire Saturday morning at the home of Richard “Dick” Chastain is believed to have claimed the life of the highly respected civil servant and career military man and his wife.
Preliminary reports indicate the Chastains perished in the home at 2962 W. C.R. 400N.
Chastain’s adult son, David, was transported by medical helicopter to an Indianapolis hospital after he was found in the yard. It is believed he landed there after the blast. His condition is unknown.
Several fire and emergency crews were dispatched to the home at 8:28 a.m. Saturday. This remains an active scene, and the public is asked to avoid the area.
The cause of the blast and fire remains under investigation. Officials are investigating the possibility of a gas leak.
Dick Chastain served 13 years on the Montgomery County Council, leaving office in December 2018. He represented District 1 after being elected by a caucus in 2005.
The elder Chastain served as a lieutenant in the United States Army and had a long career in the National Guard. Of the 36 years he served in the military, almost 20 of those years he led as a commander.
Major General Chastain was to be honored Saturday afternoon as part of “Operation Salute,” a special 90th birthday celebration at the Darlington Armory. The event, which was expected to draw a large crowd, has been canceled.
