Minnehaha Academy Explosion: Berg Family Sues Gas Company

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On Aug. 2, a building at Minnehaha Academy's north campus in Minneapolis was destroyed by a natural gas explosion. Ruth Berg, the school's receptionist, and John Carlson, a Minnehaha Academy graduate who came back to work for the school after retiring from his first career, were killed in the blast.

Now, Berg's family is suing CenterPoint Energy and a subcontractor, Master Mechanical. Berg's mother and daughter filed a wrongful death suit in Hennepin County Wednesday that claims the gas crew working on the school building that day failed to properly shut off the gas valves, allowing natural gas to collect which eventually caused the deadly explosion.

The suit also claims that prior to the blast, the workers "ran to save themselves and ignored the safety of others" in the building, including Berg. Berg's survivors are asking for more than $50,000 in damages.

Related: Minnehaha Academy Explosion: Preliminary Report Released

After the lawsuit was filed, Master Mechanical gave the following statement to KARE 11:

We are reviewing the litigation and will respond accordingly. Out of respect for the various ongoing investigations, we will not be discussing the details at this time. We continue to actively cooperate with all state, local and federal agencies investigating this tragic event. We ask that you continue to keep in your thoughts and prayers all those affected by the incidents.

Image via GoFundMe