NORTH ST. LOUIS COUNTY (First Alert 4) - Three months after a powerful explosion rocked a north St. Louis County neighborhood, rebuilding and repairs remain largely on hold as residents navigate a slow recovery process.

An investigation found natural gas surged into a home and then ignited, causing the massive explosion on August 25, which destroyed five houses and damaged more than 20 others. Dantea Anthony Jr. , 18, was burned on over 85% of his body.

Cecil Cobb’s house was so badly damaged, it was declared unsafe, forcing him and his wife to live in an apartment while they wait for repairs to begin.

“Because when I come by here, it seems like not much is changing,” Cobb said. “This is not something you can go over the top with a little spackling or whatever and walk away.”

Like mo

See Full Page