St. Paul Food Truck Owner Recovers After Propane Explosion Injures Three
Shaheed suffered second and third-degree burns during a test run on the city's East Side; investigators are still determining the cause.
By Stella Brooks ·
Shareef Shaheed, the owner of a new St. Paul food truck business, is recovering in the hospital after a propane explosion during a test run left three people with severe burns.
Shaheed had planned to operate Soul4Life, a truck serving southern comfort food. He worked two jobs for 10 years, including a position as a cook at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, to save for the venture. The incident occurred when Shaheed, his fiancé Megan Welle, and a friend were testing the vehicle on the city's East Side.
Shaheed said he had turned on the propane tank and was preparing to light the pilot light for the deep fryer when the blast occurred. The force of the explosion threw him out of the truck. He stated that his experience working in a kitchen prompted him to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames on his body.
The St. Paul Fire Department confirmed that three individuals were hospitalized with severe burns. The department is currently investigating the cause of the blast.
Shaheed reported suffering second and third-degree burns to his face, hands, and legs. He has already undergone surgery to repair the injuries. All three victims are expected to remain at Regions Hospital for several weeks while they recover.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Shaheed described the physical pain and the mental strain of the accident. "It's hurting, it's killing me, but they definitely take care of me," he said. He added that he feels fortunate to be alive, noting, "He burned me up, but he ain't burned me down."
Shaheed and his fiancé are currently out of work due to the injuries. Their family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical bills and living expenses during their recovery period.
