2 Dead After Explosion Destroys Hermantown Townhome
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A submitted photo shows a large fire after an explosion in a townhome building in Hermantown.
Two people were found dead after an explosion damaged multiple units at a Hermantown townhome complex Saturday evening.
The blast displaced eight residents from their homes and prompted a large emergency response from multiple agencies.
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The explosion was reported around 6:21 p.m. Saturday at Green Acres Townhomes near Lavaque Road and Green Acres Road, according to Hermantown Police Chief Jim Crace. Officials said the blast involved a building containing six units and caused extensive damage to surrounding structures.
Crace described the incident as a significant explosion, saying the sound was reportedly heard as far as 12 miles away. The blast blew the roof off the building and heavily damaged the structure, while windows were blown out of nearby neighboring units.
As firefighters and law enforcement worked through the night, crews searched for two residents who were unaccounted for following the explosion and fire. One person was located around 10 p.m. Saturday, and the second was found around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, officials said.
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Hermantown police later identified the victims as Gayle Nelsen, 89, and Joan Wisneski, 88, both Hermantown residents.
A city spokesperson said ten fire departments and multiple agencies responded and remained on scene into the night to extinguish the fire, secure the area and search the heavily damaged building. Officials said injuries could not immediately be confirmed as crews worked amid debris, smoke and active flames.
Lavaque Road was closed near Green Acres Road as emergency crews operated in the area. City officials designated Hermantown City Hall as a shelter and reunification location for residents displaced or evacuated due to the explosion.
As of Sunday afternoon, eight residents were confirmed displaced, with the American Red Cross and the St. Louis County Public Health Department assisting with temporary housing and support services.
Authorities have not released a cause of the explosion. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation, and officials said further details will be released as they become available.
