Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

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One woman was injured in an apparent explosion and house fire in St. Louis Park on Monday evening.


Emergency responders were called to the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Texa Tonka at 6:40 p.m. St. Louis Park Fire Chief Steve Koering said police found the house in flames and an elderly woman in the yard. She was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center to be treated for smoke inhalation and her condition is currently unknown.


"We immediately went defensive as flames were visible on three sides of the home," Koering said. "It pretty much burned a hole through the floor from the first to the second floor."

 
Neighbors said they heard two loud explosions prior to the fire. Koering said there were oxygen tanks in the home, but it's not yet clear what caused the fire.

 
No other people were inside. Koering said one pet appeared to have escaped the flames.

 
At least 40 firefighters from seven local fire departments pitched in to the fight the fire. They were able to get it under control within a couple hours.  


A spokesperson for CenterPoint Energy said the fire did not appear to be gas-related.

Disasters

Jon Collins

Author

Neighbors said they heard two loud explosions prior to the fire. St. Louis Park Fire Chief Steve Koering said there were oxygen tanks in the home, but it's not yet clear what caused the fire.

One injured after apparent explosion in St. Louis Park

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