Explosion In McCook Leads To Life Flight To Kearney

(McCook, NE) - On March 11th, 2024 McCook dispatch began receiving calls of an explosion south of McCook along Hwy 83. Red Willow Western Fire and McCook Fire and Ambulance as well as Red Willow County Sheriff's Office responded. 

The explosion was reported by neighbors as they couldn't determine the source. It was discovered that a Propane tank had exploded. An individual was apparently in the process of converting the empty tank into a smoker. It appeared that the subject took precautions to use water inside the tank to displace the vapor but was apparently insufficient to displace all the vapors. While attempting to cut the tank with a cutter torch the vapors were ignited causing the explosion. He was wearing a respirator at the time and had taken other precautions as well. 

There was a delay in discovering the victim of several minutes as the callers didn't know exactly where the explosion had occurred. The original caller contacted their neighbors, who responded to their residence and discovered the victim. He is the 25-year-old son of that neighbor. 

On EMS and Fire's arrival a trauma code was initiated with McCook Community Hospital and arrangements were made to transfer the victim by air to a higher level of care, Good Samaritan Kearney. 

Update/Tuesday, March 12th - The Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office has received information from the family of the explosion victim that we can pass on. The wife of the victim,Shelby Skolout, provides the following information. 25 year old Thatcher Skolout is in ICU in Kearney where he is expected to remain sedated at least over the next 5 days as medical personnel monitor and take steps to reduce swelling on his brain. She wants to thank the army of people who helped get him to this facility knowing that many of the emergency personnel knew the person that they were responding to and caring for. Shelby and the rest of her and Thatchers families are amazed by the love and prayers offered up for Him. The next 72 hours are critical and there is a long road ahead but we are all praying for a full recovery.