Minn. Car Repair Building Burns; One Person Hurt

Aug. 10, 2013
A auto repair business in Royalton was destroyed by fire and one man received burns on one arm.

Aug. 10--ROYALTON -- A Friday afternoon fire destroyed a building at Gene's Repair, Sales, Tires and Towing, 704 Willow St. N in Royalton.

One person suffered burns on at least one arm, according to Morrison County Deputy Jason McDonald. No other injuries were reported.

The fire was reported to Morrison County authorities at 3:40 p.m. McDonald said it started at the back of the building but the cause is not yet known.

Gene's Repair is owned by Holly and Gene Binkley of Royalton.

"They're pretty shook up. It's a little overwhelming for everyone," McDonald said.

Holly Binkley's son was the person with burn injuries.

Heavy smoke poured from the scene even after the fire appeared to be under control at about 5 p.m. Friday. Firefighters were still working on putting it out as of 6 p.m. They planned to pull a wall down to extinguish the blaze. The back of the business was demolished by the blaze, and the rest was badly charred. A car in front of building was crushed by a fallen door.

Rice and Little Falls fire departments assisted Royalton crews at the scene. Ambulance crews also are on hand.

Northbound traffic on U.S. Highway 10 slowed to a crawl and was backed up for miles as of 6 p.m.

Copyright 2013 - St. Cloud Times, Minn.

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