Neighbors rebuild in the aftermath of Jefferson City home explosion
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Some residents on St. Louis Road in Jefferson City are repairing damage to their homes after a home exploded early Saturday morning.
The explosion left the home in piles of debris. Six people and two dogs were rescued from the rubble. Two of the victims had to be flown to University Hospital due to the extent of their injuries.
Mike O'Connell with the Missouri Department of Public Service wrote in an email that the Division of Fire Safety investigation has concluded. The cause has not been determined. He says it could take more than a week for the report to be written.
L'wana Hagner, who lives right next door to where the explosion occurred, had her windows blown out from the explosion. She was laying in bed when the explosion occurred.
"I can't describe the noise, it was horrific and so I got out of the bedroom because I thought it was going to cave in on me," Hagner said. "There was broken glass everywhere, I don't know that I'll ever get it all picked up."
Hagner is a collector. She lost some sentimental items in the blast.
"I lost probably 150 jars, and I don't know how many salt, pepper shakers and I lost a lot of my Franciscan wear back in the back, which was dear to me because I bought that at an auction from my grandmother's best friend about 50 years ago, and I lost some of it," Hagner said.
Since the explosion, Hagner's son Kirk has been helping keep her home warm. Hagner says that since he heard about the explosion, he has been working nonstop, boarding up blown-out windows, fixing gates, and relocking a shed in the back. The shed's lock had blown off in the explosion.
Despite the damage, Hagner remains optimistic and grateful.
"Just thank God everybody's alive, that's the most important," Hagner said. "You know, like I said, this is material things."
Some friends and family of the homeowner say people have been coming to the explosion site and taking items from the debris pile like it's a garage sale. They ask people to respect the homeowner and people who lived in the homes things and leave it alone.
ABC 17 News reached out to the Jefferson City Police Department to see if they are aware or are doing anything to prevent theft from the site.
In an email, the department said "yes". The department also added they are not in control of when the debris will be cleaned up or how long it will take.
