According to WCCO in Minnesota, a staffer named Ruth Berg was killed in the gas explosion that causes major damage to a local Christian school. The news was confirmed by Ruth’s fianceé, who says they were set to be married in October.
Family members confirm #MinnehahaAcademy staffer Ruth Berg was killed in Wednesday explosion. | https://t.co/QT5NIPoJqb https://t.co/D5DlLEsIk5
— WCCO Breaking News (@WCCOBreaking) August 2, 2017
At least 9 people were injured and two remain unaccounted for after a violent natural gas explosion at Minnehaha Academy, according news reports coming out of Minnesota today.
A new report from WCCO says a “blue tarp” was used as someone was just carried off the explosion site. No word yet on the condition of the person being carried out.
.@HudsonWCCO reports that a blue tarp went up as emergency workers carried someone out of Minnehaha Academy. | https://t.co/ZTho2pX3wA pic.twitter.com/oc908shfN9
— WCCO | CBS News Minnesota (@WCCO) August 2, 2017
The explosion has shocked everyone in what is described as a quite, safe community. A man who lives nearby was weeding his lawn when the explosion went off, could ‘feel’ the blast and immediately ran over to see if he could help.
Construction was going on in the building, and according to a witness they had about 15 seconds to vacate the building after workers realized it was a bad situation.
Shocking images of the aftermath of the blast at the Christian school are pouring in on Twitter:
On scene, @MayorHodges: "Please hold everyone at Minnehaha Academy in your hearts." https://t.co/EowZgjgzyd
— FOX 9 (@FOX9) August 2, 2017
Gas explosion rocks Christian Minnehaha Academy; critically injuring one, search on for 2 people https://t.co/4ak9YAvrbT
— Christin (@itdosntmatr) August 2, 2017
According to a report from CNN, witnesses claim at least two men tried to issue a warning just moments before the violent blast went off, yelling “gas” and urging people to vacate.
2 missing after building explosion, collapse at Minnehaha Academy https://t.co/6SkLYF358I pic.twitter.com/DgN6r3xrEs
— 9NEWS Denver (@9NEWS) August 2, 2017
Fire crews have been working the scene since rapidly responding to the scene all day long. There were initial reports of a confirmed fatality, but officials later backed off that claim.
Prayers for those fighting for their life right now – and praise God this terrible accident didn’t happen with scores of children in the building.
This is a developing story, Faithwire will update the story as new information becomes available.