Overview
- The blast struck the 13800 block of Evan Aire Drive around 9:15 a.m. Monday in unincorporated north St. Louis County.
- Five homes were destroyed and more than 20 properties were damaged, with roughly 90% of inspected residences red‑tagged as unsafe.
- Officials said at least three people were hospitalized; one outlet reported five injuries, including an 18-year-old in life‑threatening condition.
- Spire shut off service to about 30 homes and reported no issues with its natural gas infrastructure, and the utility noted no recent 811 calls or leak reports.
- Police said everyone was accounted for and cadaver dogs found no bodies, U.S. 67 and a nearby Walmart closed, and the Red Cross opened a shelter at St. Angela Merici Church with donations accepted at Black Jack Fire Station #3.