Propane explosion injures man

An Osage City man is in critical condition Wednesday morning after igniting a propane tank.

Cole County sheriff deputies first received a call Monday morning threatening an explosion — “the largest Osage City has ever seen.”

Authorities canvassed the area and found nothing.

At about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday , the caller called to say he was going to ignite a propane tank in two minutes.

Deputies found the caller in a camper in Osage City.

Sheriff Greg White said that as deputies moved in on the camper, they heard “a sound that was consistent with the propane tank being open and hissing of propane escaping.”

A deputy ordered everyone back from the camper, White said, “and as soon as everyone got back, apparently the gentleman ignited the propane.”

There was one flash and the person inside suffered severe burns and was taken to University Hospital. At this time we don’t know if there are any other injuries.

White says this is a continuing investigation, with possible charges against the man for a potential assault on law enforcement.