5 injured, homes damaged in North County explosion; Red Cross opens shelter

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Five people were injured and multiple homes were damaged in an explosion in St. Louis County.

The explosion was first reported in the 3700 block of Candlewyck Club Drive in Old Jamestown around 9:12 a.m. Police later updated the address where the explosion occurred to the 13800 block of Evan Aire Drive in unincorporated St. Louis County.

Police say an 18-year-old man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and a woman was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, she was later released.

A man and woman were taken to a hospital for minor health complications connected to the explosion. Police say another man was treated at the scene and refused transport to a hospital.

“I just heard a loud boom! By the time it boomed, I went down and looked up, and it was smoke, you could see the debris up in the air going everything, it was crazy!” recalled Alvin Edwards Jr.

Black Jack Fire Dept. Chief Paul Peebles stated that five buildings were on fire when they showed up at the area.

Multiple departments were called to respond to the three-alarm fire.

Chief Peebles is asking people to avoid coming to the area. He also said that they have a marking system in place for residents to know if their home is safe to enter.

“If a building has a red label, it is not to be entered into,” he explained. “If it is yellow, a resident can enter and grab any belongings. If it is green, it is safe to go in.”

Chief Peebles explained that all of the buildings have no power or gas. He also said that a station has been set up at the fire house at 5675 North Highway 67 for the community to drop off water, toiletries and other items for the displaced residents.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Faith Church, 5320 N. Highway 67 in Florissant, for those displaced by the explosion. The shelter will have water, meals, snacks, resources and a safe place to stay overnight. Those impacted can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance or download the Red Cross Emergency app for shelter updates and resources. The original shelter location at Saint Angela Merici closed due to a water main break.

Police said they will block off the area where the explosion occurred to ensure the area is safe from looters.

Black Jack Fire Protection District posted on social media that Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3 is searching for potential additional victims in the rubble.

A woman who lived on Evan Aire Drive told First Alert 4 that her dog was killed in the explosion.

Spire told First Alert 4 that crews went to the area after the explosion and turned off gas to at least 30 homes. They said there were no issues with their natural gas-related infrastructure on the street, and they have no record of recent 811 calls in the area.

A bomb and arson unit and ATF are investigating the incident. Firefighters will be on scene throughout the night, according to Black Jack Fire Protection District.

“We have to see what could have been an ignition source. Those are the things being determined right now by bomb and arson,” said Peebles.

St. Louis County Police will also be guarding the blast zone at night for the time being, specifically patrolling the neighborhood entry points.

“We don’t need onlookers, we need people who are supporting these residents right now. And this area will be secure tonight,” said Vera Clay, St. Louis County Police spokesperson.