Five people were injured when a home exploded Monday morning in north St. Louis County.
An 18-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries, according to a release from the St. Louis County Police Department. He is currently hospitalized.
The victim’s uncle, Terance Hardy, wrote in a social media post that the teenager, who was the only person in the home at the time, suffered burns to 85% of his body.
The family of the victim is accepting donations via GoFundMe.
According to the police, one adult male and one adult female also remain hospitalized with minor health complications from the explosion. One man was taken to the hospital and released the same day, and another was treated on the scene and refused hospitalization.
The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis has opened a shelter at Faith Church, 5320 N. Highway 67 in Florissant, for residents displaced by the explosion.
The former shelter at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church closed due to a water main break. Approximately 20 people came to the shelter for dinner on Monday, but no one stayed overnight, according to a release.
The Black Jack Fire Protection District is accepting donations of water and toiletries for the affected residents. Donations can be dropped off at Black Jack Fire Protection District Station 3.
This is an active investigation, officials said.
