A Detroit Lakes man remains hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday, three days after his fish house exploded in a Moorhead parking lot.
Michael Herzog suffered second- and third-degree burns over nearly 80 percent of his body, according to his CaringBridge page.
First responders found him alone, outside the fish house early Sunday morning. He was rushed to Sanford in Fargo, then airlifted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
"We are so thankful that Michael is alive," his sister-in-law, Brook Herzog, wrote on CaringBridge. "It is truly a miracle. We ask that you please join us in praying for Michael's continued strength, healing … and that he resists infection as he recovers."
The Fire Department has not identified what might have caused the blast. A small heater was located inside the fish house, but it's not clear whether it was in use, said Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Wallin.
Two neighbors called 911 after hearing the explosion in a residential area. The trailer appears to have been parked in a lot behind a school, Wallin said.
On Tuesday, doctors removed Herzog's breathing tube, and family members reported that he was conscious and talking. Herzog is a former Concordia Moorhead quarterback who now works as the manager of research and development at Herzog Roofing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Liz Sawyer • 612-673-4648
