© 2025 St. Louis Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Amid orders to cut funding for public media, here’s what you can do to help.
Other

Explosion in Suburban St. Louis Was Caused by Natural Gas

By AP/KWMU

Jefferson City, MO – State investigators on Wednesday blamed natural gas escaping from a service line for an explosion that destroyed a house in suburban Manchester in December.

Four people were injured in the explosion.

The Missouri Public Service Commission says pressure from tree roots forced a service line to pull out of its connection to the gas main. The gas migrated into the house, ignited, causing the explosion.

The report also said a joint in the service line was improperly assembled when installed 30 years ago.

The state wants Laclede Gas to pay penalties. Laclede, though, says the event was isolated; it says it's working to address the state's recommendations.

Other