DEXTER -- A father and his son were injured Sunday morning, when a gas water heater apparently exploded.

According to a Mower County Sheriff's Department report, Zachary Holst, 10, suffered second degree burns to his legs and his father, Leon Holst, 48, suffered facial burns.

Both were transported from the scene to St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, by the Grand Meadow Ambulance Service. They were treated and released for second degree burns.

The Dexter Volunteer Fire Department responded to the 9:47 a.m. Sunday alarm at the Holst residence located west of Dexter along Mower County CSAH No. 2.

Cheryl Holst was uninjured in the explosion, which her husband and son told investigators occurred, when an attempt was made to light a water heater in the basement.

According to the deputies' report, the east side of the house was bowed outward five inches by the explosion.

Dexter volunteer firefighters secured the residence from further dangers. No estimate of the damages was immediately available.

Reports jewelry theft

Linda Anderson, 55 of Austin, reports the theft of an estimated $5,300 in jewelry from her residence.

According to an Austin Police Department report, the thefts occurred over the past two weeks.

No forcible entry was observed at the residence at 407 20th St. SW.

Anderson is missing a gold chain, necklaces and bracelets, according to the report.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com