Faribault Couple Identified in Northern Minnesota House Explosion
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Department confirmed today the identities of a Faribault couple involved in a house explosion Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at approximately 9:36 a.m.
The explosion and ensuing fire occurred in the 1700 block of Everett Bay Road in Greenwood Township.
The owners of the property are Michael and Eva Gramse of Faribault both age 72.
Michael is the founder of MRG Tool and Die of Faribault.
However positive identification of Mrs. Gramse has not been officially made.
Lt. Jason Akerson with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Department released the following information today confirming Mr. Gramse was injured and they believe Mrs. Gramse was killed in the incident.
His summary is below.
The identities of the two occupants from yesterday's house explosion are attached. They are the owners of the property, Michael Gramse and his wife, Eva Gramse. Michael was located outside of the residence, severely injured. He was able to provide some details about the incident before being medically transported and advised his wife, Eva Gramse, was also inside the residence at the time of the incident.
At this time, the Sheriff's Office believes the human remains found inside the residence are those of Eva Gramse, however the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office is currently working to positively confirm this.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation by the St. Louis Co. Sheriff's Office and MN State Fire Marshal's Office.
St. Louis Co. Sheriff's Deputies and Greeenwood Fire Dept. were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, it was confirmed the residence appeared to have exploded and was currently on fire.
Initial information relayed to emergency responders was two people (adult male/adult female) were possibly inside the residence at this time of the incident. Shortly after emergency responders arrived, they located an adult male owner of the residence severely injured down in the yard. The male was airlifted by Lifelink to Essentia-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN. The extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.
Human remains, believed to be that of the adult female inside the residence, have been located at the scene. The residence was completely destroyed.
Assisting Agencies include:
St. Louis Co. Rescue Squad, MN State Patrol, MN DNR, Tower Ambulance and Fire Dept., Breitung Fire Dept., Vermilion Lake Fire Dept., Virginia Ambulance personnel and MN State Fire Marshal's Office.
KDHL did contact the Duluth Hospital about the condition of Michael Gramse but was given no information. Injuries were charachterized as "severe" by first responders according to reports.