An explosion and building collapse has been reported at a Minneapolis school, and rescues are currently underway.
The Minneapolis Fire Department says that one reported fatality had not been confirmed, and that three people were unaccounted for and potentially trapped beneath rubble as crews work to extinguish fires. Officials and the school say that the explosion may have been caused by a natural gas explosion. Five individuals were transported to the hospital with injuries, and one was quickly released after being evaluated.
The explosion took place at Minnehaha Academy, a private Christian school with 832 students in total. The resulting fires were reportedly extinguished within hours.
The school's web site says that the campus is hosting summer programmes through August 15, including woodworking, intermediate band, advanced band, and driver's education. Officials say, however, that all students have been accounted for.
The explosion and collapse reportedly occurred near or in the gymnasium. There were people reportedly inside at the time of the explosion.
Neighbours of the school told local media that they were able to feel and hear the blast.
"It was just a really loud boom," one resident said. "You felt it in your chest."
A school official said that there were adult staff and faculty members in the gymnasium at the time of the blast. The spokesperson said that she heard the huge explosion and said it caused tiles to fall from the ceiling. Several people reportedly sustained minor injuries from the damages.
