Community reaching out to help home explosion victims
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Investigators say a gas leak was the likely source of Monday’s massive home explosion in north St. Louis County.
Just two days after the destructive explosion caused damage to nearby homes and condos, neighbors have been showing up in support, offering food, toiletries, gift cards, and clothing to help their fellow neighbors.
“We went to Sam’s Club and picked up some disinfectants and whatever we could do,” neighbor Elaine Battle said. “Gave some money to help each other. We need to pull together and help each other.”
Down the street at the Blackjack Fire Protection District Headquarters, a room full of donated items. The same thing has happened at Faith Church, where the American Red Cross is serving warm meals, and transitioning from a shelter to a resource center, offering daytime hours and free lunch and dinner for those in need after the massive explosion.
“I’ve come here from Mexico, Missouri,” John Mathews, American Red Cross said. “Which is just neighboring, down the road. And I am overwhelmed by the response of the community. It does not seem to have any end.”
Meanwhile, the St. Louis County Bomb and Arson Unit’s investigation is expected to take some time before concluding.
