Overview
- City officials identified the victims as Gayle Nelsen, 89, and Joan Wisneski, 88.
- The blast was reported at about 6:21 p.m. on the 5000 block of Jennifer Circle in the Green Acres area.
- More than a dozen agencies responded, residents were evacuated to Hermantown City Hall, and most people were allowed back around midnight.
- Fire crews contained the blaze to one six-unit building that suffered catastrophic damage, and adjacent buildings were also damaged.
- The Minnesota State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause, officials advised avoiding nearby stretches of Lavaque Road, and aid groups are assisting eight displaced residents.