A Stearns County man was taken to the hospital with burns to his hands and head after an explosion at his home north of Brooten on Sunday evening.
Herman Paul Imdieke, 80, told authorities he smelled gas when he came home and began cooking supper. The explosion happened a short time later. Imdieke was helped to a nearby residence by a neighbor, who called 911 shortly after 5 p.m., according to a report from the Stearns County Sheriff's Office.
The house was fully engulfed in flames when deputies arrived. Brooten Fire Department was called to the home, on Stearns County Road 18.