ST. PAUL — A cigarette lighter ignited a leaking propane tank that exploded inside a storage container Nov. 4 in Bagley, injuring one adult and five children, according to a preliminary investigation. 

Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal (SFM) division investigators determined that a 100-pound propane cylinder, believed to be empty, contained enough residual gas to fill the storage container to dangerous levels.  

The father and his children entered the storage container to retrieve toys. Unaware of the danger, the children entered first and did not recognize the distinct odor of mercaptan, the additive that gives propane its telltale “gas” smell. The spark from a cigarette lighter caused the explosion.  

The five children and their father remain in critical but stable condition at HCMC in Minneapolis.   

“This family faces a long road to recovery, but they are bravely sharing their story so that nobody else experiences such a devastating accident,” State Fire Marshal Dan Krier said. “We hope this family’s tragedy serves as a reminder to take precautions when storing and handling propane.” 

Propane safety tips 

• Store propane tanks outside.  
• Never assume a tank is empty: Even a small amount of residual gas can create a potentially explosive atmosphere in a confined space.
• Install alarms: Homes, campers, fish houses, and other areas with propane heating units should be equipped with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and explosive gas detectors, which are readily available in most stores and online.

Some people may have a reduced ability to detect the odorant used in propane, making these detectors a critical line of defense, especially for children who may not understand the significance of the smell. 

If a mercaptan odor (the familiar “gas” smell) is present or a detector sounds, evacuate the area immediately and call 911. Do not turn appliances or lights on or off during the evacuation; even a tiny spark could ignite the gas.