Gas leak suspected in massive north St. Louis County explosion

A massive explosion in north St. Louis County that leveled at least five homes, damaged more than 20 others and sent several residents to the hospital was most likely caused by a natural gas leak, authorities said Wednesday.

Investigators have ruled out criminal behavior in the incident that occurred around 9:15 a.m. Monday near Blackjack.

St. Louis County Police Chief Col. Kenneth Gregory said the “multi-house explosion was most likely a natural gas explosion,” adding, “There’s still more work to be done to determine that for sure.”

Gregory quashed rumors that a neighborhood meth lab caused the explosion. He cited investigators with the regional bomb and arson squad, who had already ruled out both that possibility and fireworks.

Several people were transported to the Mercy Hospital’s burn unit but, no fatalities had been reported as of Wednesday afternoon.

Although there was widespread damage to homes and condominiums surrounding the blast, residents who were initially advised not to return to their homes were told electric power had been restored and it was safe to return to the area. However, authorities cautioned that houses marked with red tags were not safe to enter until they had been thoroughly assessed.

Immediately after the explosion, Molly Rose, a spokesperson for Spire, told St. Louis Public Radio that the utility company had no reports of a smell of gas or digging that could have damaged gas lines. St. Louis County bomb and arson investigators are working with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to determine the source of the explosion.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at St. Angela Merici in Florissant for residents displaced by the explosion. A spokesperson said the church can hold up to 200 people. St. Louisans who need help can also call 800-RED-CROSS.

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.