Medical Examiner Identifies 52-year-old Woman Killed in Maple Grove Business Fire
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified Michele Hanson, 52, of Maple Grove as the victim of a fire that destroyed a family business on Tuesday.
The fire at Hanson Implement and Storage broke out just after 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Thick smoke and orange flames lit up the sky as firefighters responded.
According to the medical examiner, Hanson died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Search crews found Hanson’s body on Wednesday morning after using heavy equipment to carefully dig through the rubble. Two others were also injured in the fire, including a man who was rushed to the hospital.
The fire destroyed the building that included the family business and living space. Chemicals from the workshop accelerated the fire, said Maple Grove Fire Chief Tim Bush. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined following a preliminary investigation.
Maple Grove crews battled two-alarm fire at Hanson Implement Storage. One person is dead, two others hurt. Photo Courtesy: Maple Grove Fire
