3 Children, 1 Adult Injured In Tracy House Explosion
TRACY, Minn. (WCCO) – A house exploded in the city of Tracy on Saturday morning, injuring four occupants.
According to Tracy Fire Chief Dale Johnson III, an explosion was reported at approximately 9:03 a.m. at 213 Elm Street. Upon arriving at the scene, the house was fully engulfed in flame. All four occupants were transported to the hospital.
The fire was eventually put out and the property is fenced off while the investigation is in progress.
Sheena Schons was sleeping this morning at her home on Elm, when she heard the sound of glass breaking.
Glass from the front windows of the house across the street landed on the Schons front steps. Sheena called 911 and Matt ran across the street to help. By that time Sonja Timmons, the mother who lives in the home, came running out, clutching her two year old daughter.
"And then we seen the little 7-year-old-girl running around outside, hysterically screaming and crying," Schons said.
According to Schons, the 7 year old appeared to have the worst burns.
Matt then asked her for the location of Sonia's newborn.
"After I found where the crib was at I picked up the baby and then it started to cry," Matt said.
He got the baby out, and before Sheena and another neighbor drove them to the hospital, Sonia told them what she believes caused the explosion, fire and her injuries.
"She said she went to light her cigarette and all of a sudden 'boof!' Just engulfed in flames," Matt said.
A neighbor drove the mother and three children inside. The family is currently at the burn unit at Regions Hospital. Sonia Timmons is currently in critical condition.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
