A Minnesota man was left severely injured after his camper exploded at a Pierz Park Campground on Sunday morning, according to the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office. Paul Hoheisel, aged 57 and a resident of Pierz, was found bleeding at the campsite in the aftermath of the violent blast. The Sheriff's Office reported that the explosion occurred inside Hoheisel’s camper at approximately 7:06 am on May 19, 2024.
Responding deputies quickly ascertained that a gas oven had been left on within the camper, and discovered a cigarette lying on the floor, which may have been a contributor to the incident. Hoheisel, who was alone in the camper, suffered severe burns due to the explosion. After the Mayo Clinic Ambulance transported the injured man to a landing site, he was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center by Life Link III.
The scene was swarmed by various agencies attempting to manage the aftermath and investigate the sequence of events leading up to the explosion. Alongside the Morrison County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota State Patrol, Pierz Fire Department, Pierz First Response Team, Life Link III, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance were present at the scene to provide necessary assistance.
Authorities have not yet provided a detailed account of how the gas and cigarette came together to trigger the explosion, leaving critical questions hanging amid the smoke of a day gone awry at a peaceful campground. As of now, officials have not released further details regarding Hoheisel’s current condition following the incident. The investigation continues as the multiple agencies involved work together to piece together the events that led to this unfortunate and destructive explosion.
