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Several people injured in Poplar house explosion (updated)

Several people injured by an explosion at a house in Poplar
Several people injured by an explosion at a house in Poplar
Wolf Point Wolves
Posted at 5:52 PM, Jan 13, 2023
and last updated 2023-01-15 02:00:38-05

GREAT FALLS — Several people were injured in an explosion at a residence in Poplar on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Just before 11 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023, the Poplar Volunteer Fire Department received a call for service on Red Thunder Road for a possible gas leak.

As firefighters were heading to the station, an "unknown ignition source" ignited and caused an explosion, collapsing the house.

Roosevelt County Sheriff Jason Frederick said in a news release Sheriff's deputies and other first-responders from Poplar Volunteer Fire Department, Fort Peck Tribes, and Roosevelt County DES responded to the incident.

Firefighters worked along side Sheriff's deputies and Fort Peck Tribal law enforcement to rescue a female from the residence. Two other occupants were able to escape with assistance .

Sheriff Frederick said: "At great risk to themselves, the deputies, officers, and firemen were able to pull three people from the burning structure. The victims were flown out due to the severity of their injuries."

The Poplar Volunteer Fire Department said on Facebook: "Additional thanks goes out to the resources that responded. Tribal DES, NEMHS EMS, Tribal Law Enforcement, Roosevelt County DES, Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department, Rosevelt County Sheriffs office, and Sheridan Electric."

The suspected cause of the explosion is a gas leak inside the home, and the investigation continues.

We will update you if we get more information, including details about any fundraisers to help the victims.


(UPDATE) From the Wolf Point Wolves on Facebook:

Next Friday 1/20, we will be having fundraisers (Chinese Auction, Bake Sale, and 50/50) for the Poplar family of Louise Ell, Quinn Sutherland, and Colter Beauchamp, who were injured when their house exploded.

If you would like to donate to the fundraisers, please bring items to WPHS throughout the week. Baked goods can be dropped off at the HS on Friday at 2:00 pm

We will also be looking for adults to help run the tables. Please contact Erin Loendorf or Kim Hanks to volunteer for a shift.


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