Man dies in propane explosion while riding on tractor in central Minnesota

The blast occurred over the weekend north of Randall.

August 8, 2023 at 11:51AM
The operator of this tractor hit a propane valve on his property in central Minnesota, causing an explosion that killed the man. (Morrison County Sheriff's Office/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A man riding a tractor hit a propane valve on his property in central Minnesota over the weekend, igniting an explosion that killed him, officials said.

The incident occurred midday Saturday about 3 miles north of Randall in Cushing Township, the Morrison County Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office said 65-year-old Joseph Then, of Randall, was badly burned after he hit the underground valve in the 10300 block Lakewood Drive and died at HCMC.

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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