Willow River, MN: Explosion Rocks Community, Prompting Evacuations

WILLOW RIVER, MN – A significant natural gas line explosion west of Willow River, Minnesota, on Friday afternoon triggered evacuations and left approximately 500 customers without gas service. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to multiple emergency calls just before 1:45 p.m., quickly determining the source of the incident.

Immediate Response and Evacuations

Authorities immediately requested residents in several nearby homes to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Thankfully, initial reports indicate no injuries sustained as a result of the explosion. Sheriff Jeff Nelson, speaking to Northern News Now (an NBC affiliate in Duluth), confirmed that the gas flow had been successfully shut off, eliminating any immediate danger to the public.

“Right now, we’re focused on assessing the needs of those who may be without gas and heat for an extended period,” Sheriff Nelson stated. “Our understanding is that the overall gas flow to Willow River and affected rural areas shouldn’t be significantly interrupted long-term.”

Service Restoration Challenges

Minnesota Energy Resources estimates that around 500 customers will be affected by the service disruption. However, due to the extent of the damage, full restoration of service is not expected for several days. The company is mobilizing additional crews and contractors from across the state to expedite the repair process. You can find more information about gas safety and emergency procedures on the Minnesota Energy Resources website.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. While the Sheriff’s Office currently anticipates no criminal involvement, a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident. Understanding the cause is crucial to preventing similar events in the future.

Impact on Residents

The explosion has understandably caused concern among Willow River residents. Local authorities are working to provide support and resources to those affected, including assistance with temporary heating and shelter if needed. Updates will be provided as they become available.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.