5 Young Brothers Seriously Injured in Explosion After Man Smoking Cigarette Ignites Propane Tank: Reports
The tragic incident occurred at a storage unit in Minnesota on Monday, Nov. 4, according to reports
Five brothers from Minnesota have been seriously injured in a propane tank explosion.
The siblings aged 6-14 years old suffered severe burns in an explosion at a storage unit north of Bagley, Minn., at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, Clearwater County Sheriff's Office reported, per CBS News and local outlets KROC-AM News and The Minnesota Star Tribune .
Preliminary investigations determined that the explosion occurred after a leaking propane tank inside the storage unit was accidentally ignited by an adult male lighting up a cigarette.
Brothers Keegan, Kaeto, Braedyn, Tannen and Zander Ritchie, were left in critical condition from the explosion and they were transported to a burn treatment center at Hennepin, Minn. for further care, according to a GoFundMe page set up for the boys by their sister Kyra Frank.
"My five little brothers were involved in an explosion," Kyra wrote. "All prayers are needed and appreciated. My mom is a single working parent and is now taking time off to be with her boys. She could use any and all the help given. We know very little at the moment but will give updates as we hear."
The brothers suffered burns ranging from 5-55% in the incident, according to the GoFundMe page.
Authorities shared that the man who lit the cigarette also suffered serious burns in the explosion, per CBS and KROC-AM News. He is reportedly the brothers' father, per The Minnesota Star Tribune.
In an update shared on their GoFundMe page, the brothers are said to be in stable conditions with "a long road ahead of them."
"The surgeon informed us that all of them will need surgery at some point throughout this process," their sister Kyra continued. "The stays are going to be extensive and the medical bills are high as well as Mom being unable to be at work. We have upped the donation goal, and we sincerely appreciate all of your help and prayers."
So far, over $43,000 has been donated to the GoFundMe page for the brothers.
PEOPLE has reached out to Clearwater County Sheriff's Office for further comment.
