Tuesday, October 13, 2026·Focal News

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Oklahoma City-area roundup: school roof fall, fatal fire and state policy debates

Two children were hospitalized after falling through a skylight at an Oklahoma City elementary school, while a 62-year-old man died in a Midwest City mobile-home fire. Other developments include an OSBI homicide investigation, proposed scrutiny of kratom products and a construction milestone for the Thunder’s future arena.

Oklahoma City-area roundup: school roof fall, fatal fire and state policy debates
Two children were hospitalized after falling through a skylight at James L. Dennis Elementary in Oklahoma City on Friday night, Oct. 9. One child was in critical condition, police said. The children were sitting on a rooftop skylight near Northwest 122nd Street and Rockwell Avenue when it broke, according to Oklahoma City police. Putnam City Schools said the incident is under investigation. A separate fatal fire was reported Monday morning, Oct. 12, near Northeast 23rd Street and Post Road in Midwest City. Firefighters found a 62-year-old man inside the burning mobile home; he was pronounced dead at the scene. The home was deemed a total loss, and investigators are working to determine the cause. In northern Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of Troy Devine, who was found unconscious in Medford in June and later died at a hospital. The medical examiner determined that Devine died from blunt-force trauma. Investigators learned that a fight involving a group of people took place before his death, and the case remains open. At the State Capitol, lawmakers heard concerns from parents, people in recovery and state officials about the availability of kratom products, including concentrated and synthetic versions sold at convenience stores and gas stations. Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director Donnie Anderson urged lawmakers to classify synthetic kratom as a Schedule I drug. The state chief medical examiner reported that kratom additives were listed as a contributing factor in 42 deaths from January 2025 through June 2026. Lawmakers are weighing possible action for the 2027 legislative session. Meanwhile, crews began pouring concrete Monday on the mezzanine and concourse levels of Continental Coliseum, the planned downtown home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The work is the first of more than 18 elevated-deck pours planned for the project, which is expected to open in 2028.

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