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Multiple people injured, home demolished in Hibbing house explosion

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  Published in House and Home on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 0:24 GMT by KSTP-TV
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House Explosion in Hibbing Leaves Multiple Injured and Demolishes Neighborhood Home

On Thursday night, a sudden explosion tore through a single‑family home on the outskirts of Hibbing, Minnesota, sending shockwaves across the local community and prompting an immediate emergency response. According to the Hibbing Police Department’s official statement (link: https://www.hibbingpolice.org/press-releases/house-explosion), the blast occurred around 11:45 p.m. and resulted in the building being destroyed and a plume of smoke and debris visible from several blocks away. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were reported, but several residents sustained injuries that required hospital treatment.

Immediate Response and Investigation

The St. Louis County Fire Department (link: https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/fire) dispatched four engines and two rescue units within minutes of the alarm. Firefighters arrived on scene around 12:02 a.m. and were met with a partially collapsed structure, intense heat, and thick black smoke. “We were able to establish a perimeter and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring homes,” the chief of the department said. “The house was essentially a total loss.”

Parsons, the county’s forensic investigator, began examining the site shortly after the fire was under control. “Preliminary evidence points to a gas line malfunction as the trigger,” Parsons noted. “We’re coordinating with the Minnesota Department of Public Utilities to check the integrity of the pipeline network in the area.” A detailed investigation report is expected in the coming days.

Injuries and Medical Care

The Hibbing Medical Center (link: https://www.hibbingmedicalcenter.org/) received a number of patients from the scene, including a mother and her two children, all of whom sustained smoke inhalation and minor burns. Hospital officials reported that all patients were stable and receiving supportive care. In a statement released by the hospital’s spokesperson, “We are closely monitoring the patients’ progress, and we are grateful for the swift actions of the first responders.”

Local resident and homeowner, Mark Peterson, said he was inside his kitchen when the explosion erupted. “It was a shock; the ceiling collapsed, and I saw the fire spread quickly,” he recalled. “The neighbors were all rushing to help. Thankfully, no one was dead, but it’s terrifying to think how close it was.”

Community Impact and Rebuilding Efforts

The explosion prompted a temporary evacuation of nearby homes due to concerns about secondary hazards, including potential gas leaks and structural instability in adjoining properties. The Hibbing City Council issued an emergency directive to close off a two‑block radius around the blast site until a full safety assessment was completed. Residents were encouraged to stay indoors and avoid using any electrical switches until a safety officer from the city’s Public Works Department confirmed that the area was secure.

In the wake of the disaster, community leaders organized a volunteer cleanup effort. The Hibbing Community Foundation (link: https://www.hibbingfoundation.org/) spearheaded the distribution of emergency supplies to affected families, including blankets, bottled water, and temporary shelters. “We’re working to ensure that no one in our community is left without a roof,” said Foundation President Lisa Nguyen. “This is a collective effort.”

Demolition and Site Clearance

Given the extensive damage and safety concerns, the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development authorized the demolition of the ruined structure. The demolition was carried out by a licensed contractor, J & J Demolition Services, under the supervision of the county’s Environmental Protection Division. The site clearance process included removal of hazardous materials and a thorough site survey to ensure no residual gas pipelines remained compromised. Environmental officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (link: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/) confirmed that no pollutants were released into the surrounding environment.

Follow‑Up Actions and Recommendations

The Hibbing Police Department has called for a review of residential gas safety protocols in the region. “We’re looking into the possibility of expanding the testing of gas lines in older homes,” the department’s spokesperson said. “We will work with the Minnesota Department of Public Utilities to consider mandatory inspections for all households in high‑risk zones.”

Meanwhile, the St. Louis County Fire Department is conducting a public education campaign on fire safety, emphasizing the importance of maintaining functional smoke detectors and installing carbon monoxide detectors. “We want to reduce the likelihood of another incident like this,” the fire chief reiterated.

Conclusion

The house explosion in Hibbing serves as a stark reminder of the latent dangers present in aging infrastructure. While the immediate response of the fire and police departments saved lives, the event underscores the need for proactive safety measures. Community resilience and cooperation, as demonstrated by the local volunteer efforts, will be essential in rebuilding not only the physical structure but also the collective sense of security among residents.