3 workers injured in East Bethel explosion have been identified, in stable condition

EAST BETHEL, Minn. — Three construction workers are in hospital following a house explosion in East Bethel Monday morning.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday morning identified them as Keith Hyovalti, 35, of Oak Grove, William Swanson, 47, of Zimmerman, and James Wells, 47, of Coon Rapids. All three are believed to be still working at Hennepin Healthcare. Hyovalti and Swanson are in good condition, but Wells was last reported to be in serious condition.

According to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on the 2800 block of Viking Avenue.

Neighbors said the incident happened at a new home under construction last fall. The explosion prompted a strong response from first responders, including a rescue team to pull three men out of the rubble. Two people were taken to the hospital, another was taken by helicopter to the hospital. Their current status is unknown.

One of the common reactions of all the neighbors with whom WCCO spoke was that they heard and felt what had happened, then they went out, looked for smoke and did not see it. When you look up from our drone, you can see a crater in the house, but this is also new construction with engineered I-beams and OSBs. This material is very flammable, however, does not have fire.

Mitch Danielson, who works nearby, said: “There was no smoke, no fire. No idea where it came from. It was strange.” “I’ve never heard or felt anything like it. I can’t believe I’ve been through that. Pretty crazy.”

Whatever it is, it’s very violent. Rescuers rescue 3 construction workers trapped under the rubble

Neighbors like Katie Verchow appeared to be still shaking on Monday afternoon.

CBS

“I sat in front of the computer, you know, in my mind that somebody’s life has changed dramatically,” says Verchow. “The house just shook. I mean, it really looks like it’s been lifted off the foundation, and it’s huge.”

What is unshakable is the sense of community.

“Within half an hour, people were checking, ‘Is this your home? Is that your home? Are you okay? Do you need anything?'” Verchow said.

And that community, according to officials, has also been very supportive of firefighters. Many people called 911, allowing for a quicker response could have saved a life.

“Please don’t assume someone else is calling,” said Lieutenant Bill Jacobson of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. “If something goes wrong or you feel that you need to call us, we’d rather you call us and not need us than call us later and realize that you should call the agent at the time.”

Energy utilities Xcel and CenterPoint both said the property does not yet have any natural gas service. No other damage has been reported.

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