2 Dead In Hopkins House Explosion: Reports

HOPKINS, MN — Two people died in a house explosion and subsequent fire in Hopkins Wednesday morning, according to multiple media reports.

The bodies were recovered from the debris, according to the Star Tribune. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

The two people who were killed have not yet been identified, KSTP reported. A couple in their 80s lived at the house.

Just after 10 a.m., authorities responded to the explosion at 2nd Street North and 21st Avenue North, according to a news release. When police and fire crews arrived, the house collapsed and was engulfed in flames, according to Hopkins Fire Chief Dale Specken.

Fire crews from across the southwest metro were brought in to help with the blaze and the search and rescue operation.

By 12 p.m., the fire had been extinguished and the gas to the house was shut off.

Authorities are asking community members to avoid the area during the investigation.