Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheriff: no injuries reported after Willow River pipeline explosion; utilities mostly restored
Summary
Sheriff Nelson told the Pine County Board that a pipeline explosion near Willow River triggered multiple 911 calls and a multi‑agency response; federal investigators are leading cause determination and nearly 100% of customers had gas restored by the briefing.
Sheriff Nelson briefed the board on a pipeline explosion near Willow River that drew multiple 911 calls and responses from four fire departments, the Pine County sheriff's office, Mille Lacs tribal police and ambulance services. Nelson said investigators found no evidence of a plane crash and that responders evacuated people inside a recommended perimeter; there were no reported injuries and no public-infrastructure failures required an emergency declaration because the incident involved private infrastructure.
By the time of the briefing almost all affected customers had gas service restored, Nelson said, and federal authorities and industry investigators were taking the lead on determining the cause. The sheriff thanked local responders and the Willow River community for logistical support, sheltering and donations that aided the response.
