Teen survives ice house explosion

Published 10:28 am Monday, March 14, 2016

WHITE BEAR LAKE — A White Bear Lake teenager is recovering from second- and third-degree burns inflicted when an ice fishing house exploded.

Eighteen-year-old Macen Ellering is facing months of recovery and doctors tell him it could take a year before his skin color is back to normal. The high school senior suffered burns, including damage to his face, in the explosion Friday.

KSTP-TV reports a furnace igniter malfunction is thought to be the cause of the blast that blew up the ice shack and injured Ellering. He was rushed to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

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Ellering is due to graduate soon if his recovery doesn’t interfere. The teen says he’s just happy he’s still here.