Tragedy in Story City, Iowa

On December 9, 1968, a mysterious explosion at a family farm near Story City, Iowa takes everything from the Tjernagel family, and rallies a small town to pressure the US government to make things right.

Prologue

Episode One

The Explosion

The Tjernagel family prepares for dinner on a cold, quiet Monday evening in early December, totally unaware of what is coming. Their lives are completely changed in an instant by a violent explosion.

Episode Two

The Aftermath

The cause of the explosion becomes apparent as injured members of the Tjernagel family are treated at the local town hospital.

Episode Three

The Loss - Part One

More details about the accident emerge as we learn about the two men that tragically lost their lives.

Episode Four

The Response

The people of Story City immediately come to the aid of the family.

Episode Five

The Loss - Part Two

After losing everything in the fire, the Tjernagel family suffers their greatest loss yet.

Episode Six

The Farm

The family remembers what it was like to live and work on Follinglo farm.

Episode Seven

The Fight - Part One

Marie begins her battle with the government over compensation for all that was lost, and Mike leaves for war.

PBS Iowa Life Feature

On April 2, 2024, Iowa PBS television series Iowa Life season 1 episode 112 includes the story of the Tjernagel tragedy at Follinglo farm.