MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities are looking at a possible natural gas leak as the cause of an explosion and fire at a Minneapolis apartment complex.
Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel said Thursday that authorities are focusing on a possible gas leak because witnesses reported a smell. He says the debris field from the blast also points to a gas explosion.
Additional FireRescue/FirefighterNation.com coverage of Minneapolis explosion
The Wednesday fire injured 14 people, and Fruetel says two people remain unaccounted for. At least three people are in critical condition.
The blast was reported Wednesday morning at the three-story building that houses a grocery store and apartments near downtown.
Firefighters weren’t able to enter the building while fighting the blaze because the roof had partially collapsed. But crews are now removing debris from the site.
