McCook Explosion South of Town

On March 11th 2024 McCook dispatch began receiving calls of an explosion south of McCook along Hwy 83. Red Willow Western Fire and McCook Fire and Ambulance as well as Red Willow County Sheriff's Office responded. 

The explosion was reported by neighbors as they couldn't determine the source. It was discovered that a Propane tank had exploded. An individual was apparently in the process of converting the empty tank into a smoker. It appeared that the subject took precautions to use water inside the tank to displace the vapor but was apparently insufficient to displace all the vapors. While attempting to cut the tank with a cutter torch the vapors were ignited causing the explosion. He was wearing a respirator at the time and had taken other precautions as well. 

There was a delay in discovering the victim of several minutes as the callers didn't know exactly where the explosion had occurred. The original caller contacted their neighbors, who responded to their residence and discovered the victim. He is the 24 year old son of that neighbor. 

On EMS and Fire's arrival a trauma code was initiated with McCook Community Hospital and arrangements were made to transfer the victim by air to a higher level of care, Good Samaritan Kearney. 

I have spoken with the family and will not release the name of the victim until they clear it. The injuries are serious, additional information about his condition will be released upon families approval.