Deadly explosion levels bank office

Northwestern Financial Review, Jan 15-Jan 31, 2005

Two bankers were killed and one injured when their single-story brick office building exploded on Dec. 28. The mid-morning explosion took place in Ramsey, Minn., a north-west suburb of the Twin Cities.

Riverview Community Bank of Otsego was leasing an office in the building off of Highway 10. Ann Talle, 43, and Lois Self, 49, were killed. Bob Smith, 60, survived, although he was hospitalized. One other woman was killed in the explosion; she worked at another business housed in the building.

Although the cause of the explosion was not determined as this issue went to press, speculation suggests a gas leak.

Riverview Community Bank is a $75 million bank that opened in March of 2003. On its web site, the bank says it is the fastest growing, start-up bank in Minnesota. It has 38 employees. The bank was using the Ramsey building as a temporary office until it opened its first branch in Anoka. Smith is executive vice president and senior commercial lender.

A memorial fund has been set up. Donations can be sent to: Riverview Community Bank Memorial Fund, 9040 Quaday Avenue NE, Otsego, MN 55330.