Multiple individuals sustained injuries and approximately 20 homes suffered damage due to a massive explosion.
Explosion in St. Louis: Red Cross Opens Shelter for Displaced Residents
An explosion in St. Louis, Missouri, on Monday has left five people injured and several buildings in flames. The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Faith Church, located at 5320 N. Highway 67 in Florissant, for those displaced by the incident.
The explosion occurred in the 13800 block of Evan Aire Drive in unincorporated St. Louis County. Five buildings were on fire when firefighters arrived at the scene, and multiple fire departments were called to respond to the three-alarm fire.
A bomb and arson unit is investigating the explosion with help from the ATF. St. Louis County Police will guard the blast zone at night, specifically patrolling the neighborhood entry points to ensure the area is safe from looters.
Anyone impacted by the explosion can call 1-800-RED-CROSS for help or download the Red Cross Emergency app for shelter updates and other resources. A donation station has been set up at the fire house at 5675 N. Highway 67 for the community to donate water, toiletries, and other items for displaced residents.
St. Louis County Police spokesperson Vera Clay said, "We don't need onlookers; we need people who are supporting these residents right now. And this area will be secure tonight." Black Jack Fire Protection District is searching for potential additional victims in the rubble with Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 3.
An 18-year-old man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Another man and woman were taken to a hospital for minor health complications connected to the explosion. A woman who lived on Evan Aire Drive told local media that her dog had been killed in the explosion. Another man was treated at the scene and refused to be taken to a hospital. A woman was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and was later released.
The original shelter location at Saint Angela Merici was closed due to a water main break. The Red Cross has set up a new shelter at Faith Church, where those displaced by the explosion can find water, meals, snacks, and a safe place to sleep.
A red label on a building means it is not to be entered into, while a yellow label allows a resident to enter and grab belongings. A green label indicates the building is safe to enter. Police will block off the area where the explosion occurred to ensure the area is safe from looters.
The community is encouraged to donate to the Red Cross to support those affected by the explosion. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. For more information, visit the Red Cross website or download the Red Cross Emergency app.
