Gayle Nelson and Joan Wisneski die in fatal Hermantown, Minnesota explosion
Fatal Hermantown, Minnesota deaths of Gayle Nelson and Joan Wisneski – Obituary
Gayle Nelson, 89, and Joan Wisneski, 88, were killed Saturday night after a powerful explosion tore through a townhome complex in Hermantown, Minnesota, prompting an extensive emergency response and investigation by fire officials.
Crews were dispatched to the scene around 6:20 p.m. following reports of a massive blast in the northeastern Minnesota community. Authorities later confirmed that multiple townhome units were severely damaged, with several structures exploding and the roof of the building being blown off.
Residents in surrounding neighborhoods reported hearing the explosion from as far as 12 miles away, underscoring the force of the blast. Firefighters and rescue teams immediately began searching through the debris for residents who were unaccounted for.
One of the victims was located later that night around 10 p.m., while the second was found in the early hours of Sunday morning at approximately 4:30 a.m. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
In the aftermath of the explosion, eight people were displaced from their homes. The Red Cross and the St. Louis County Public Health Department are assisting those affected with temporary housing and support services.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation to determine the cause of the explosion, as officials continue working to understand what led to the deadly incident.