Packer seriously hurt in odd accident in Glacier

A 60-year-old Mule Shoe Outfitter packer returning from Granite Park Chalet Tuesday was seriously injured when one of the propane tanks he was hauling apparently released some gas, spooking the pack train on the Loop Trail.

Initial reports said there was a possible explosion, but Rangers at the scene said the tanks they saw were intact, said Park spokeswoman Melissa Wilson.

The man suffered severe leg injuries and appeared to have been dragged along the ground as the pack string of mules spooked.

It isn't entirely clear how the accident happened.

The victim's name was not immediately released, pending notification of kin.

The accident happened about 1 p.m. and the man was wheeled down the trail to the Loop where He was picked up by the ALERT helicopter at about 4:30 p.m.

Two emergency room nurses hiking the trail and one emergency room doctor

near the Loop assisted the park rangers who responded to the incident.