3 injured in gas explosion in Big Lake Township

Updated: April 9, 2009 - 5:55 AM

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Firefighters from Big Lake, Monticello and Becker battle a house fire after an explosion in Big Lake Township, Minn., Wednesday, April 8, 2009.

Photo: Jason Wachter, Associated Press - Ap

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Three people were injured Wednesday when a Big Lake Township house exploded and caught fire.

Laddy Cusick, 79, and his wife, Ramona, 79, left Arizona last week and were moving to be closer to family in Minnesota. When they went to the house on Monday, the couple smelled gas, according to the Sherburne County Sheriff. A repairman from the gas company reportedly checked the house and found no problems, the sheriff's office said.

As the couple continued to move in on Wednesday, they smelled gas again. After opening the door to the garage to air it out and checking the appliances in the house, the couple continued to move their belongings into the house with the help of another couple, Chester and Marianne Richardson. Then an explosion erupted with the two women inside the house and the men outside.

"At first Laddy heard a boom or pop from inside the house," said Barry Anderson, Ramona Cusick's son. "Laddy heard the women screaming and as he opened the door, the heat from inside blasted him."

But Laddy Cusick ran in and got one woman out and then the other, Anderson said from his home in the Seattle area. "He probably saved both of their lives."

The Cusicks and Marianne Richardson were airlifted to different hospitals.

Marianne Richardson was reported in serious condition at Hennepin County Medical Center. Ramona Cusick was reported in serious condition at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where Laddy Cusick was listed in stable condition.

The explosion and fire, which destroyed the house, are under investigation.

MARY LYNN SMITH