WILLOW RIVER, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Officials responded to an explosion near Willow River Friday and are asking residents to avoid areas northwest of the town for the safety of residents and responders.
According to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, it happened at 1:43 p.m. Friday in a rural area west of Willow River, near Mikrot Road and Fox Lake Road off of Highway 41.
Several fire departments and law enforcement responded and found that it was a large gas line that exploded.
Multiple homes nearby were asked to evacuate.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, some parts near the explosion are still blocked off, but most residents are able to return to their homes.
Officials said three people cannot access their homes.
According to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office, nothing criminal is suspected at this time.
According to Minnesota Energy Resources, around 500 customers in and around Willow River and Sturgeon Lake are without gas.
Officials with Minnesota Energy Resources said they’re working with the transmission pipeline operator to get gas back on as quickly and safely as possible.
Crews from around the state are being called in to help with the restoration effort.
Service may not be restored for several days, according to Minnesota Energy Resources.
There have been no reported injuries.
It happened around 2 p.m. Friday.(kbjr)
A witness Northern News Now spoke with who was near the scene at the time of the explosion said it was and continues to be very loud, saying it sounds like a fighter jet nearby.
Near Willow River.(Ainsley Blondo)
Photographer Ainsley Blondo shared several pictures with Northern News Now, showing flames shooting high above the tree line and an emergency response.
Meanwhile, Stan Bodnar, whose church owns nearby Bethany Camp tells Northern News Now he had to evacuate some workers from the camp.
This is a developing story.
Stay with Northern News Now as we work to learn more.
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