RICHFIELD, Minn. – A devastating explosion and subsequent fire at a residence in Richfield left one person injured and the house completely destroyed on Monday morning. Hennepin County Sheriff’s Deputies received reports of a possible explosion and fire near Oliver Avenue South and West 64th Street, located across the street from a Richfield fire station.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies heard cries for help and successfully rescued an individual from the burning house. The injured person was promptly taken to the hospital and was expected to be discharged later that day, as stated in a press release. Officials noted clear signs of an explosion, with the basement engulfed in flames and several windows blown out from the north side of the house.
Aerial footage captured the extent of the damage, showing the home in ruins as fire crews battled remaining hot spots. Due to structural instability, authorities made the decision to demolish the house post-fire. The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remains unknown and under investigation.
Richfield Fire Chief Mike Dobesh commended the swift response from deputies and fire crews, emphasizing the importance of their coordinated efforts in mitigating the situation. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by such unforeseen emergencies in residential areas.
The impact of the explosion and fire on the neighborhood and surrounding community has yet to be fully assessed, with residents left shaken by the tragic events. Local authorities are working diligently to ascertain the cause of the explosion and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Safety measures and preparedness protocols are being reinforced to ensure the well-being of residents in Richfield and beyond.