12-year-old killed in . propane explosion

PEN ARGYL, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say a 12-year-old boy was killed and his father critically injured when the boy accidentally backed a dump truck into the cap of an underground propane tank, setting off an explosion at the Cherry Hill Tree Farm in eastern Pennsylvania.

Northampton County Chief Deputy Coroner Kelly Gillis said Luke Hahn was pronounced dead at the farm just after noon Monday.

Bushkill Police Chief Stan Coopersmith said the father and son were working at the farm when the boy drove over the tank, knocking the cap off and sparking the explosion.

Police did not immediately identify the boy’s father. Coopersmith said the man suffered severe burns. The man was transferred by helicopter to a trauma center.

Coopersmith said Bushkill police are investigating the incident. Gillis said an autopsy is scheduled for today.