One killed, 2 injured when small house being set on foundation falls

On Sunday, October 15, 2017, at approximately 10:56 AM, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office 911 center received an emergency call reporting that three adult males were injured and trapped under a small home that was being moved onto a foundation.

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Kelliher Fire/Rescue, Blackduck Ambulance and North Memorial AirMed responded to the scene, located in the 16000 block of Whipple Lane NE, Kelliher, MN in Shotley Twp. Shotley Township is located approximately 60 miles north of Bemidji, MN on the south shore of Upper Red Lake.

It was learned that a small home was being placed on a foundation when the house fell from the jacks, wood posts and cement blocks being used to lift and support the building. When it fell, it trapped one of the workers under the building.

Kelliher Fire/Rescue personnel were able to extricate the individual from under the building and along with Blackduck Ambulance personnel initiated lifesaving efforts, but were unsuccessful. The deceased was identified as Joshua L. O’brien, age 25, of Blackduck, MN. The two injured parties were identified as Christopher O’brien, age 52, of Blackduck, MN and Matthew L. Hjelden, age 49 of Cloquet, MN. Christopher O’brien was transported by North Memorial AirMed to a Grand Forks Hospital with unknown injuries. Hjelden was transported by private vehicle with unknown injuries to receive medical care.

The investigation is pending with the Beltrami County Coroner’s Office.

The medical condition of Christopher O’brien and Hjelden is unknown.

Ernie Beitel, Chief Deputy Sheriff

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office