Cleanup begins after Gladstone devastated by fatal weekend explosion
GLADSTONE, Mo. (KCTV) - Cleanup efforts have started in Gladstone after a weekend explosion took the lives of one man and two dogs and devastated the neighborhood.
The City of Gladstone announced on Monday, June 2, that crews have started demolition and cleanup of the area around the fatal explosion that rocked the metro on Saturday.
City leaders noted that the explosion, which completely destroyed a single-family home, was reported just before 11:15 a.m. on Saturday. The Gladstone Fire Department responded quickly and found that the home had collapsed.
Law enforcement officials noted that nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution. One man was found deceased, as well as two dogs. All three bodies have been recovered, and the area is now secured. Cleanup operations are safe to proceed as of Monday.
While the investigation into what caused the explosion remains ongoing, city officials indicated that they have ruled out a natural gas leak. The preliminary investigation suggests that combustible materials that were stored in the home may have led to the incident.
Investigators said they continue to analyze all evidence to find out exactly what caused the explosion. Meanwhile, demolition and cleanup efforts have already begun. City staff will manage the site and the surrounding neighborhood to ensure safety and begin restoration.
To allow crews to work safely and effectively, community who do not live in the area have been asked to avoid it until the operation is complete. City staff have canvassed the neighborhood to distribute flyers with cleanup information.
City leaders noted that building inspectors have also been door-to-door to speak with those whose homes were closest to the explosion to check for structural damage. That assessment process is expected to be finished by the end of the day on Monday.
Over the weekend, officials said they also used Gladstone Alerts, an emergency notification system, to warn residents within the immediate area about the incident. The community’s continued patience, cooperation and resilience are appreciated as leaders continue to work through the difficult situation.
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