Gas leak-fueled explosion prompts safety reminder from firefighters

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield firefighters faced a tremendous explosion after responding to reports of a possible gas leak.

“We had heard it was free flowing gas,” Assistant Chief Brian Leciejewski, Springfield Fire Division, said.

When firefighters responded to Ridgewood Court Townhomes on East Home Road to check on reports of the gas leak, a large building in the center of the complex exploded. Firefighters ran into the burning and unstable building once they were told an 11-month girl was still upstairs in the townhouse.

>>PHOTOS: Drone images from Sky 7 show damage to townhouse after explosion in Springfield

News Center 7 learned Monday that one woman injured in the explosion, Edeline Ducatel, 50, of Springfield, died from her injuries.

“Anytime you have a gas leak in a business, home or apartment building, call 911 and evacuate the structure until we get there,” Leciejewski told News Center 7.

Firefighters and residents reported there was a woman that tried to knock on doors and warn everyone to get out moments before the explosion. They are not sure if the victims, who are recent Haitian immigrants, could hear the warnings or if they didn’t understand them.

Columbia Gas was called once they put out the gas-fed flames.

>> Woman dead after explosion at Springfield townhouse identified

“They did an assessment on all the gas lines in the area around the complex and all were found within the normal limits,” Leciejewski said.

Springfield firefighters said gas lines usually feed natural gas stoves or hot water heaters in homes. Residents should make sure all appliance installations are done by qualified professionals.

Firefighters said they will continue their investigation to attempt to learn where the leak was and how it happened. They said it may be difficult because of all the damage done.

1 of 11