On Friday afternoon (January 16), the Pine County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota confirmed a major natural gas pipeline explosion in Willow River.
They have requested the public to avoid the northwest area of Willow River. It was reported around 1:43 pm local time that an explosion occurred in the rural area of West Willow River.
In a statement, the Pine County Sheriff’s Office explained, “Multiple fire departments, emergency services, and law enforcement agencies have rushed to the scene and confirmed it is a large natural gas pipeline explosion. Numerous residents near the explosion site have been asked to evacuate.”
The Sheriff’s Office also stated that no criminal suspicion has been found at the moment, and there have been no reports of casualties. Northern Gas Company and relevant departments have arrived on the scene.
Sheriff Jeff Nelson of Pine County stated, “There is no reason to believe that people using natural gas will face any risks. They will work to ensure that users in the affected area can continue to use natural gas.”
A video posted on the Carlton County Fire News Facebook page shows two raging fires at the scene, with thick smoke billowing.
Carlton County Fire News stated that the incident occurred near Fox Lake, close to Highway 61 and County Road 41. Around 1:30 pm, an explosion was heard. Northland FireWire reported that flames could be seen from Interstate 35.
The National Pipeline Mapping System shows that there is a natural gas transmission pipeline and a hazardous liquid pipeline near Fox Lake. Officials have not confirmed if these pipelines are related to the incident.
Witnesses reported that authorities are closing off roads and instructing everyone to step back.