ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – An explosion that obliterated several homes in north St. Louis County and injured five people was “likely a natural gas explosion.”

During a news conference late Tuesday afternoon, St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory and Black Jack Fire Chief Paul Peebles ruled out criminal activity as a possible cause.

There was no meth lab on the property and no fireworks manufacturing, Chief Gregory said, in an effort to dispel some online speculation.

The area is safe for neighbors to return to their homes. Ameren has restored power for many properties in the area.

Two of the five people injured have been treated and released from the hospital, Gregory said.

While authorities are keying in on a “possible gas incident,” according to Gregory, it will be quite some t

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