Overview
- City officials identified the victims as Gayle Nelsen, 89, and Joan Wisneski, 88.
- The explosion struck a six-unit building on the 5000 block of Jennifer Circle around 6:21 p.m. Saturday.
- The building was declared a total loss, and nearby units sustained damage after the roof was reported blown off.
- Residents were evacuated to Hermantown City Hall for shelter and reunification, with most allowed to return around midnight.
- Relief agencies reported assisting about eight displaced people as more than a dozen departments responded to the fire.