IRON RIVER, Mich. (WWJ) — An 80-year-old man has died after a home explosion in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula late Saturday night.
Deputies with the Iron County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police troopers and multiple fire departments from the Western U.P. were called around 9:30 p.m. CST after getting reports of an explosion in the city of Iron River, about eight miles north of the Wisconsin border.
When first responders showed up they found the home “mostly destroyed” and debris was scattered as far as three blocks away, according to MSP officials.
Iron River firefighters and other first responders were called in to search for potential victims.
MSP officials said Sunday morning the 80-year-old man was the only confirmed fatality, but the explosion was still under investigation.
The man had just moved into the home from Florida, according to MSP.
While police do not suspect any foul play or criminal activity, the cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation, with the Iron River City Police Department taking the lead. The MSP Fire Investigator is assisting.
The area surrounding the home was evacuated Saturday night, with authorities opening a warming center in the area for those affected, according to a report from TV6.