Two people and their dog were killed when their mobile home exploded in the middle of the night

According to police, two people and their dog died after their mobile home exploded in the middle of the night.

The explosion occurred about 3:54 a.m. in the 8200 block of 85th Avenue in Mille Lacs County, about 80 miles north of Minneapolis, and authorities with the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting the explosion, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office.

When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a “large debris field from an apparent explosion that was still engulfed in flames at the time,” authorities said.

“With the assistance of several area fire departments, the fire was extinguished,” the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office said. “A search of the rubble by first responders located two victims.”

According to police, the victims are now an adult man, 60-year-old Royce Edward Kreger, and 61-year-old woman Katherine Ann Kreger, police said.

“Both parties lived at the apartment and were pronounced deceased at the scene. A family dog ​​was also found dead in the debris,” according to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office.

The Minnesota Fire Marshal’s Office visited the scene of the explosion and worked with the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office to determine the cause of the explosion, which remains unknown at this time.

The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Princeton, Baldwin and Milaca fire departments and North Memorial EMS. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact authorities.

The investigation into the explosion is currently ongoing.