Overview

• The explosion struck around 9:15 a.m. on the 13800 block of Evan Aire Drive in the Florissant area, with five homes burning and more than 20 properties damaged.
• At least three people were rescued and hospitalized, and officials said all residents were accounted for after cadaver dogs found no additional victims.
• Roughly 90% of affected homes were red-tagged, keeping residents out as the Red Cross opened a shelter at St. Angela Merici Church and donations were directed to the Black Jack fire station.
• Spire shut off natural gas in the neighborhood and said crews found no problems with its infrastructure, while the cause of the blast remains under investigation.
• Authorities closed U.S. 67 between New Halls Ferry Road and Mondoubleau Lane, a nearby Walmart temporarily closed, and the public was urged to avoid the area.