St. Louis County Explosion Destroys Homes, Injures Residents

A massive explosion rocked north St. Louis County, Missouri, on Monday, August 25, leaving at least three people injured and destroying five homes, according to local officials. The blast occurred around 9:15 a.m., sending thick smoke into the sky and damaging more than 20 nearby properties, including condominiums.

“Like a Bomb Hit That Place”

Black Jack Fire Chief Paul Peebles confirmed that cadaver dogs searched the area but found no fatalities. He added that 90% of homes in the blast zone were red-tagged, meaning residents cannot return. St. Louis County Police Chief Col. Kenneth Gregory compared the devastation to warfare, saying, “It’s like a bomb hit that place.”

Cause Under Investigation

Utility company Spire stated its crews found “no issues with our natural gas infrastructure.” The cause remains under investigation.

Residents Describe the Blast

Local residents recounted the terrifying moment. Tyreke Abernathy said, “I was just lying in bed… I saw one house crumbled and the next two caught fire.”

Another resident, Erika Phillips, compared it to an earthquake, explaining her condo shook violently as a painting fell on her baby.