A storage unit explosion injures a man and five children in northern MN

BAGLEY, Minn. (FOX 9) – Five children and a man were injured in an apparent explosion of a propane tank in a storage unit in northern Minnesota.

What we know

Officers responded to reports of an explosion and fire around 12:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at a storage unit on 370th Street north of Bagley. Bagley is a small town about 25 miles west of Bemidji.

Officers found six victims at the scene: a man and five children between the ages of six and fourteen.

All six were transported to local hospitals, although deputies say their conditions remain unknown.

A GoFundMe page identifies the children as five brothers. The fundraiser says the boys are in stable condition but had to be flown to a Hennepin County hospital. So far the fundraiser has raised $35,000 to support the family.

What happened?

Deputies say it appears a propane tank in the storage unit was leaking. When the man opened the door of the unit, he lit a cigarette, igniting the gas.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal is investigating the explosion and the incident remains under investigation.