Crews Tape Off Exploded Home As A Precaution

HARTLAND, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Freeborn County Sheriff's Office says they've taped off the Hartland home destroyed by an explosion Friday afternoon.

"The area was sealed off with a protective tape as a safety precaution," said Detective Scott Golbuff with the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office.

Fire investigators are expected to sift through what's left of them home on Monday to try and determine the cause. The explosion left Ralph William Yotter, 75, with burns on his body.

"He had some burns on his arms, face and neck," said Goldbuff.

Yotter was flown from the scene by helicopter to North Memorial Hospital. His wife, Patricia Yotter, was transported by an ambulance to the Mayo Clinic hospital in Albert Lea with non-burn injuries related to the explosion.

The Yotter's had recently sold their property and were awaiting closing on it, according to authorities.