Two individuals and their pet dog tragically lost their lives in a devastating mobile home explosion during the night, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 3:54 a.m. in the 8200 block of 85th Avenue in Mille Lacs County, located about 80 miles north of Minneapolis.
The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office received several emergency calls reporting the explosion. Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found a large debris field from the explosion, which was still burning.
Working alongside multiple local fire departments, responders were able to extinguish the fire. During the debris search, two victims were discovered and identified as 60-year-old Royce Edward Kreger and 61-year-old Katherine Ann Kreger. Both individuals were residents of the home and were pronounced deceased at the scene. Additionally, a family dog was also found deceased in the wreckage.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and the Minnesota Fire Marshal’s Office is working with the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the incident.
Assistance was provided by the Princeton, Baldwin, and Milaca Fire Departments, as well as North Memorial EMS. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the explosion to come forward.