St. Paul Food Truck Dream Put on Hold After Devastating Explosion

St. Paul, MN (MinnesotaNow) -- A St. Paul man who spent years working toward opening his own food truck business is now facing a long road to recovery after an explosion during a test run left him and his wife with serious burns.

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St. Paul Food Truck Explosion Sends Three People to the Hospital

The explosion happened Sunday, October 26, behind a home on Orange Avenue on St. Paul's East Side. According to a report from Fox 9, the man, identified as Sharif Shaheed, was preparing to test the recently purchased food truck with his wife and a friend when the explosion occurred.

Shaheed said he had turned on the truck's propane tank and was getting ready to light the pilot light on the deep fryer when the blast sent him flying out of the truck.

All three people were hospitalized with burn injuries at Regions Hospital. Shaheed suffered second and third-degree burns to his face, hands and legs and has already undergone surgery. He told Fox 9 that he and the others are expected to remain hospitalized for several weeks.

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Burn Injuries Put St. Paul Man's Food Truck Dream on Hold

The explosion has put Shaheed's plans to launch his food truck business on hold.

For the past 10 years, he has worked two jobs, including as a cook at the Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul, where he helps feed people experiencing homelessness. Opening his own food truck, serving Southern comfort food, was something he had been working toward for years.

Despite the setback, Shaheed remains hopeful about the future.

"I'm definitely lucky to be alive. I feel like God got a plan for me. He ain't finished with me yet," he told Fox 9.

Shareef Shaheed via GoFundMe

GoFundMe Started for Couple Injured in St. Paul Explosion

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help Shaheed and his wife cover medical bills and household expenses while they are unable to work.

The fundraiser says the couple both suffered significant burn injuries and will need ongoing medical care as they recover. Donations will help with medical costs and everyday expenses during what is expected to be a lengthy recovery.

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The family is also asking people who may not be able to donate to consider sharing the fundraiser to help spread the word.

Despite everything that's happened, Shaheed hopes to eventually get back on his feet and still make his dream of owning a food truck a reality.