2 dead in explosion at Minneapolis school levels building

Two bodies have been found following an explosion at a private school in south Minneapolis Wednesday.

The Minneapolis Fire Department confirmed that the body of John Carlson was discovered in the rubble at about 8 p.m. Investigators will return to the school Thursday morning.

School officials confirmed that one of its Minnehaha Academy staff members were killed in the explosion: Ruth Berg, 48, who worked as a receptionist there for 17 years.

"She welcomed everyone with a smile and was always willing to go the extra mile to help our students, families and staff," officials said.

Her fiance told he was informed. She was supposed to have been married in October.

Nine people were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center. Most suffered broken bones and head injuries from flying bricks and debris.

By late Wednesday afternoon, one of the victims -- Bryan Duffey -- was still in critical condition. Duffey is an assistant soccer coach at the school.

Three other victims are in satisfactory condition, and five were discharged from the hospital.

The explosion was caused by a natural gas leak as contractors were doing work on the building, officials said.

Helicopter footage showed flames and wreckage in the middle section of the building. The fire was put out by early Wednesday afternoon.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said the state was in touch with local authorities to assist in the response. He said the state will "provide any and all resources necessary to aid first responders" and those affected by the blast.

Allison Schmitz, whose child attends Minnehaha, told Mary McGuire that people were given 15 seconds to evacuate after a gas leak.