Log in

Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill, Nebraska, has resumed most services after a gas explosion at a church parish center next door damaged windows, doors and utility systems of the hospital Oct. 7.

The hospital, part of Avera Health, said that nobody at the hospital was seriously injured during the incident.

Patients and visitors will have to use an alternative entrance for the emergency department while repairs continue. The emergency department is operating out of repurposed space in the inpatient area until repairs to the unit are completed in the coming months, according to a hospital social media post.

The hospital is working to restore dialysis and MRI services. Part of the reason full restoration of services takes time is that facility experts must come in to review their utility systems and medical equipment must be recertified, a hospital statement said.

"This has been a very difficult time, but we are also so grateful that the recovery process has gone so well," John Kozyra, president and CEO of Avera St. Anthony's Hospital, said in the post. "It's really a testament to our providers, staff, contractors and the Avera Health system that we have been able to safely get back to providing care in such a short time period."

O'Neill police said a driver traveling at a low speed hit a gas line that fed into the church's parish center. Natural gas leaked into the building and eventually ignited, causing a fire and explosion. "The blast caused severe damage to surrounding homes, classrooms, and the hospital," a police release said.