An explosion erupted in downtown Minneapolis, Minn., on 516 Cedar Ave. South this morning. NBC News reported that the building burst in flames around 8:16 a.m. Thirteen people were injured, and six were critically injured.

“We don’t know the reason for the fire,” said Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel. The building housed a mosque, a halal market and 10 apartments. As fires engulfed the second and third floors, firefighters rescued these victims in wind chills of minus 20 degrees. Injures ranged from burns to trauma from falling from the two- to three-story building.
Fox News reported Robert Ball, a spokesman for Hennepin County Emergency Medical Services, saying that several residents jumped or fell out the second and third floors. Some may have been pushed off, Ball said.

By 11:30 a.m., firefighters successfully doused the flames. Fox News said investigators are still searching for possible causes. Meanwhile, hospitals have received the traumatized victims, while a local family center is searching to find if more victims may be trapped.

“I’m deeply grateful for the firefighters and other crews who came out here and kept it from getting worse,” said Rybak. Fox News said that Abdisalam Adam, the imam of Islamic Civic Society of America, was reported to be watching the flames and praying for anyone whom the fire affected.

Photo Courtesy of Kare 11