Campfire explosion kills one; injures several others

One person died and seven others were injured after a campfire exploded in northern Minnesota Friday night.  

Flammable liquid being used to start a campfire exploded in French Township, which is located about 20 miles north of Hibbing. The victims range in age from 14 to over 60 years old.

First responders and law enforcement were dispatched to the scene in the 12000 block of Jarason Road at about 8:20 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.

A 53-year-old Hibbing man, Marvin Theisen, died as a result of his injuries. A child who sustained serious burns was airlifted to a Twin Cities hospital for treatment.  

Several other burn victims with minor to serious injuries were transported by ambulance or private vehicle to an area hospital. The names of the victims were not released, but they were identified as residents of Hibbing, Kelliher, Blackduck and International Falls.

The sheriff’s office says several families and friends had gathered to celebrate the holiday weekend and were going to enjoy an evening campfire when a flammable liquid was used to start the fire when explosion happened.

Authorities have not said what the flammable liquid was. The explosion remains under investigation.

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