Hibbing Fire Department and investigators continue to sift through the debris at 2206 9th Ave. E., where the two-story home of Dave and Missy Peterson and their young grandson, Jax, was destroyed by an explosion around 6:40 p.m. Sunday.
Crews have been on site daily, searching for clues to determine the cause of the blast, which also severely damaged the neighboring home at 2202 9th Ave. E., owned by Chase Wilman and rented by Damien and Ronnie Zegoski.
Dave Peterson was critically injured in the explosion and remains in intensive care at Hennepin County Medical Center. No other injuries were reported. Two dogs escaped the blast, while two cats were lost.
More than 50 firefighters from area departments, including Nashwauk, Cherry, Keewatin, Chisholm, Silica, and Virginia, assisted Hibbing Fire Department in extinguishing the fire and managing the aftermath. Hibbing Police Department, Public Works, and Hibbing Public Utilities also provided support.
Investigators from the Hibbing Fire Department and Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine what caused the explosion. While no official cause has been identified, officials say the process may take time due to the complexity of the scene.
Fire Chief Erik Jankila noted that a home explosion of this magnitude is extremely rare in Hibbing.
“This is new territory for us,” he said, adding that HFD personnel logged more than 50 hours at the site between Sunday evening and Wednesday morning.
The area remains restricted to the public as crews continue cleanup and investigative work. Nearby homes have been inspected for damage and potential hazards.
Both the Peterson and Zegoski families have been displaced and are receiving community support as they begin the process of recovery and rebuilding.
GoFundMe accounts have been created for each family, and a special account for the Petersons has been established through the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN). Those wishing to help can contribute online or contact UWNEMN directly for donation options.
Officials continue to describe the scene as “very chaotic” and urge residents to avoid the area while crews and investigators complete their work.
