Hastings, NE – An early Thursday morning explosion severely damaged a local food truck in downtown Hastings, leaving one man injured and prompting renewed safety warnings from officials.
According to Hastings Fire & Rescue, crews responded around 4:28 a.m. to reports of a blast at Beto’s Tacos, located at 622 N. Lincoln Ave. Upon arrival, they found extensive structural damage to the mobile unit but no active fire. The only occupant, an adult male, managed to exit the vehicle on his own and was transported to Mary Lanning Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators determined the explosion was caused by a propane leak ignited by an open flame. Authorities also noted that the food truck did not have a propane alarm installed—equipment that could have alerted the occupant prior to the explosion.
Multiple 911 calls were received from residents who heard the explosion across the area. Hastings Police Department also responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation.
Officials emphasized that all mobile food vendors in Hastings must carry a valid permit, which includes inspections of propane systems and verification that a propane alarm is installed.
“The permit process is in place to ensure mobile vendors meet safety requirements, including having functioning propane alarms,” Hastings Fire & Rescue said in a public statement Thursday.
Photos from the scene show the truck destroyed and surrounded by scattered debris, with emergency responders inspecting the aftermath under caution tape.
No additional injuries were reported.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have something you’d like to let us know about? Message us on our social channels and let us know about it!
