Hibbing man in critical condition after house exploded Sunday

HIBBING — A man is in critical condition after an explosion at his home in Hibbing on Sunday, Oct. 12.

The Hibbing Fire Department responded to a report of a house explosion on Ninth Avenue East just before 7 p.m. and found the home engulfed in flames.

Dave Peterson was transported to Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing for treatment. He is “fighting for his life” at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, according to a GoFundMe started by his family.

Peterson lived in the home with his wife, Missy, and 4-year-old grandson, Jax.

“In an instant, the place they’ve called home for over 20 years was gone. This wasn’t just a house — it was where they raised all three of their children, built countless memories, and now were raising their beloved grandson Jax,” the fundraiser states. “Thankfully, their two dogs made it out safely, but everything else was lost.”

The GoFundMe had raised over $8,000 as of midday Tuesday.

Organizers said the funds will help with urgent needs, including necessities, temporary housing and lost wages “while they focus on healing and recovery.”

“Missy and Dave have spent their lives giving love, care, and stability to their family and community,” the fundraiser states. “Now, they need that same love and support returned to them.”

Fire officials described the scene Sunday evening as “chaotic.” The fire spread to a neighboring home and was under control by 9:15 p.m.

According to Friends of the Northland FireWire, the explosion “leveled” one home and extensively damaged another.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The Nashwauk, Cherry, Keewatin, Chisholm, Silica and Virginia fire departments assisted on the scene, as well as the Hibbing Police, public works and public utilities. The American Red Cross and St. Louis County Emergency Management were also contacted.