Overview
- Authorities said 911 operators were inundated with calls around 1:45 p.m. about an explosion west of Willow River.
- Responders determined a large gas line was involved and evacuated several nearby addresses.
- Officials said nothing criminal is suspected in the incident.
- Minnesota Energy Resources reported about 650 customers lost natural gas service after the line was damaged.
- The utility implemented a temporary solution to restore service as videos showed towering flames and thick smoke and authorities restricted roads northwest of Willow River.