School Collapse in Minneapolis Leaves 3 Unaccounted For

School Collapse in Minneapolis Leaves 2 Dead

A gas leak at a Minneapolis schools has caused an explosion leaving two staff members dead.

  • Aug 03, 2017

[UPDATE: August 3, 2017 9:00 a.m. CT]

Minneapolis Fire has confirmed that two people have died in the partial school collapse following a gas leak.

Both victims were staff members of the upper Minneapolis school, the first to be found in the rubble was a receptionist, Ruth Berg, who had been with the school for 17 years. The second was an 81-year-old janitor.

[UPDATE: August 2, 2017 12:05 p.m. CT]

Minneapolis Fire Department has confirmed the number of unaccounted people is now down to two people. One person who was previously unaccounted for was found unharmed.

The fire chief was also able to confirm that the gas leak was the result of a severed gas line by contractors employed to work on the building.

The original story is posted below.

Rescues are underway after a school in Minneapolis partially collapsed after a explosion on Wednesday morning.

The explosion happened at Minnehaha's Upper School, according to the school district. The Minneapolis Fire Department was able to confirm that the explosion was a result of a gas leak at the school.

In a series of tweets, the Minneapolis police department confirmed that three people had been rescued from the roof of the school, five people were transported to area hospitals and three people were still unaccounted for at the time of this writing.

Officials believe there were about a dozen students in the gym at the time of the explosion. Those students and staff have been accounted for. There is another group of people who were closer to the explosion at the back of the building, it is from this group of people that police and fire officials believe there are people missing.

Minnehaha Academy posted on their Facebook page to confirm the explosion and give parents a place to pick up their students if they were at the school.


Witnesses from the incident say that officials came over the loud speaker to ask those in the building to leave after smelling gas. It was seconds later that the explosion happened.

This story will be updated with timely information.

 

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.