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Explosion That Killed Pregnant Woman A Mystery, Police Say

March 24, 2006

Police in Port Townsend have a mystery on their hands.

They are asking for help from the State Patrol, Insurance investigators and East Jefferson Fire and Rescue.

A 36-year-old woman died when the 2005 Honda Pilot she was driving exploded in flames Saturday night, March 4, after running up an embankment and coming to rest against a fence.

Sergeant Joe Kaare believes that when the car hit a telephone junction box, fire was started. It does not explain why the fire broke out on the other side of the car.

The car that Melissa Graveswas driving was recalled in November 2004 as a result of gas tank problems.

But East Jefferson Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Mingee said the gas tank had not ruptured and there was no evidence of damage to the fuel lines.

Melissa Graves was pregnant with her first child.

The Coroner says the preliminary cause of death is listed as smoke inhalation. There are indications she has a medical problem which may have played a part in the accident.

But police say that doesn't explain the fire, and that's why police, the fire department and the state patrol are all investigating.