Update: 1 Person Dead, 1 Unaccounted For And 9 Injured At Minnehaha Academy
UPDATE: 1 person is now confirmed dead and 1 person is still missing after an explosion at Minnehaha Academy. 9 people were treated for injuries. The person killed is 47 year old Ruth Berg, 47, listed as a business office assistant on the school's employee directory. Family members say the missing person is 81 year old John Carlson who is a janitor. Three of the nine injured remain hospitalized. Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel said the majority of the damage was in the center portion of the building where the explosion occurred triggering a two-story collapse. He also said there is damage all over the building.
A portion of the Minnehaha Academy Building at 3100 West River Parkway in Minneapolis has collapsed after a reported gas explosion.
According to the Star Tribune, an explosion reportedly has had something to do with the collapse.
Here is a statement from the school.
There was a gas leak and explosion at the Upper School. Emergency responders are on the scene. This only affects the Upper School. If you need to pick up a person from the school, pick up on Edmond Blvd. We will keep you informed as we learn more.
There were contractors doing construction work at the time of the explosion. One report said this would have been a terrible tragedy had this happened with school in session.
Check back for further updates