On this date in 1993, Gwinner residents were supposed to watch Buffalo Bills player Phil Hansen, a native of nearby Oakes, play in the Super Bowl. Instead, they were rudely awakened at 6:30am by a loud explosion and fire. Many thought the small town of less than 700 people was under attack. Instead, the flames that shot 60 to 70 feet into the air was caused by an exploding 15,000 gallon propane tank at the Bobcat factory. A faulty panel on the tank caused propane to leak and ignite, launching the tank 150 yards away like a rocket. The explosion and flames damaged nearby houses, cars, and trees. The main power line into town was destroyed, cutting power for the entire town.
150 firefighters from surrounding towns quickly arrived. The gas from four other propane tanks was allowed to burn off to prevent further explosions. The fire lasted 12 hours. When it became apparent that electricity was not going to be restored soon, the entire town was evacuated. Most residents went to stay with nearby family and friends. Forty National Guard troops from Fargo and Wahpeton came in to patrol the town to prevent looting and to close Highways 13 and 32. Volunteers from the Red Cross made hot meals for the emergency personnel. Trucks came in to take away $25,000 worth of frozen food from McKeever’s Super Valu, to prevent thawing due to the power outage.
Over 780 people worked at the factory, but the explosion happened on a Sunday, so only a handful were present and only one was injured. Ron Narum, a mechanic, was about 100 yards away from the explosion. He was in a forklift, which provided a measure of protection. He ran from the fire, escaping with first degree burns on his face and a singed moustache. He was taken to St. Luke’s hospital in Fargo and quickly recovered.
Electricity was restored to Gwinner by Monday morning, and employees returned to work at the factory on Tuesday. Sadly for those who did get a chance to watch the Super Bowl, the Buffalo Bills lost.
Dakota Datebook by Trista Raezer-Stursa
Sources:
Springer, Patrick. “Propane Blast Rocks Gwinner,” The Fargo Forum. Fargo, ND. February 1, 1993, pg. A1.
Springer, Patrick. “To Residents, Explosion Seemed Like Fiery Attack,” The Fargo Forum. Fargo, ND. February 1, 1993, pg. A1.
Sprung, Christopher. “Getting Back to Normal: Electricity Restored to Gwinner,” The Fargo Forum. Fargo, ND. February 2, 1993, pg. A1.
Pates, Mikkel. “One Lucky Guy: Melroe Forklift Operator Recovering From Injuries Following Near Miss,” The Fargo Forum. Fargo, ND. February 2, 1993, pg. A1.
Sprung, Christopher. “Gwinner Explosion Chars Many Memories: Residents Recall Effect of Propane Fireball Ripping Through the Community,” The Fargo Forum. Fargo, ND. February 2, 1993, pg. B1.
Springer, Patrick. “Faulty Tank Blamed in Gwinner Explosion,” The Fargo Forum. Fargo, ND. February 3, 1993, pg. A1.
