Son calls it a ‘miracle’ that mother survived the house explosion in Red Lake

A northern Minnesota family just learned that their 68-year-old mother, who was seriously injured in a house explosion in Red Lake last month, will soon be released from the hospital.

There was an explosion at Shirley Corona’s house that shook the area off Highway 1.

“She had a bunch of angels with her that day,” said Elliot Mendoza, the victim’s son. “It’s absolutely a miracle; if no one believed in miracles, this might make someone believe in miracles.”

Mendoza spoke to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS from Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where his mother has been treated since October.

He said it was a propane leak that partially caused the house to explode.

Shirley was stuck in the rubble waiting for help.

The 68-year-old grandmother and mother were severely burned and had several broken bones and bruises from the explosion.

There were times where Elliot said they weren’t sure if Shirley would make it due to her significant injuries, but she fought through it.

“It was a roller coaster of emotions and decisions,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza shared a moment from this week that touched him, knowing the entire family has experienced this.
“She turned to me and smiled, ‘Happy birthday, my boy,’ she was very proud to tell me,” Mendoza recalled. “I also felt very proud.”

The explosion caused the family to lose their home.

Mendoza said he has been living in a motel room since the explosion, trying to plan for the future.

A fundraising page was founded to help the family during this time.