Man Dies After Gas Explosion Inside Fish House in Meeker County

Man Dies After Gas Explosion Inside Fish House in Meeker County

A man died after a gas explosion inside a fish house in Meeker County on Saturday, according to the Meeker County Sheriff's Office. The victim was identified as 65-year-old Michael John Doll of Litchfield.

Deputies responded to a report of an explosion at a fish house on Lake Washington in the town of Cosmos at about 11:30 a.m. When they arrived, they found Doll unresponsive inside the fish house. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The sheriff's office said the explosion was caused by a propane leak. The fish house was destroyed in the blast.

Doll was an avid ice fisherman and had been fishing on Lake Washington for several years, according to his family. He was a member of the Cosmos Sportsman's Club and had served on the club's board of directors.

Doll's death is a reminder of the dangers of using propane heaters in enclosed spaces. Propane is a flammable gas and can easily explode if it is not used properly.

The sheriff's office is urging people to take the following precautions when using propane heaters in fish houses:

• Make sure the heater is in good working condition and that all connections are tight.
• Use the heater only in a well-ventilated area.
• Never leave the heater unattended.
• Turn off the heater and disconnect the propane tank when you are finished using it.

By following these precautions, you can help prevent a propane explosion and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.