The Storm Lake Fire Department responded to a report of an unknown explosion Thursday night at about 8:45.
Upon arrival, firefighters noticed an outbuilding on the property that was apparently damaged by an explosion. It was determined that the occupant was in the basement of the building when the explosion occurred and was able to climb out of the basement.
The property owner was identified as Leonard Hartje, age 72 of rural Storm Lake. Hartje sustained burns to his body and was treated by paramedics at the scene, he was taken to the Buena Vista Medical Center and later airlifted to an Omaha hospital.
Fire fighters encountered several small fires still burning in the basement which they extinguished and shut down the utilities to the structure. Responders determined that the victim was replacing a furnace and was bleeding air from a propane line when the explosion occurred.
Fire officials estimate the building at a total loss with damage also occurring to other buildings in the vicinity from flying and falling debris. Damage is estimated at $50,000.00.
The Storm Lake Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Buena Vista County Sheriffs Department, the Buena Vista County Paramedics and the Newell Ambulance Service.
