Richfield, MN – Hennepin County Sheriff’s Deputies exhibited remarkable heroism during a home explosion in Richfield on Monday. Deputies Welwolie and Granson were executing their civil duties when a deafening explosion occurred at a residence on 64th Street and Oliver Avenue just before 8:45 a.m.
Their proximity to the disaster enabled them to respond immediately, saving a woman trapped inside the crumbling structure. Fire crews later praised the deputies’ quick action, which was instrumental in the woman’s survival, as she was transported to the hospital with expectations of recovery.
As multiple emergency crews converged on the scene, it became evident that the blast had inflicted catastrophic damage to the house. With both side walls and the front window blown out, the sight of smoke billowing was visible from blocks away. Responding to a third-alarm call, over a dozen fire teams joined the effort, grappling with the urgency as the structure was declared “very unstable.” By 10:30 a.m., the house had succumbed to the damage, necessitating the use of a front-end loader for post-collapse operations.
Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported. An investigation into the sudden and violent ignition remaining unknown.
