St. Patrick’s Catholich Church Facebook post
KBRX Radio of O’Neill is reporting that an initial explosion occured around 5:55am Monday at the St. Patrick’s Parish Center in O’Neill, a two story dormitory style building. When KBRX personnel arrived at the scene just minutes after hearing the explosion, they say the Parish Center had flames 50-to-60 feet in the air.
Crews were quick on the scene and firefighters had most of the flame under control around 6:40 am with some lingering small flames and smoke.
Nearby Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital was also damaged the explosion that they say occurred near their campus.
There were no major injuries to patients or employees, but the hospital had window and door damage on the east side of the building.
Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital is closed for today and patients are being diverted to area hospitals.
Avera St. Anthony’s expressed appreciation for the first responders for their fast actions and their prayers are with all who were impacted.
Residents within that area were asked to evacuate as emergency personnel secured the area for safety.
KBRX also reported some windows damaged in nearby homes.
St. Mary’s Elementary & High School will not have school Monday.
