Nearby businesses assess damage after St. Paul house explosion

Businesses near the scene of a house explosion in St. Paul are assessing the damage this weekend.

WCCO-TV reported that the effects of Friday's blast are likely to be felt in the area for months. The explosion left the occupant of the home, 80-year-old John Lundahl, with significant burns and a broken arm and pelvis. Lundahl underwent surgery on Saturday.

At least one other person was injured by flying glass when the explosion tore apart a home along the 600 block of Payne Avenue on the city's east side, and damaged nearby buildings.

Contractors were checking homes and businesses on Saturday, and the American Red Cross is assisting 11 people displaced by the explosion.

Joe Tel, owner of the Quick Stop Market located two doors away from the home, said it may be months before he's ready to re-open the market, which has been condemned by the city. Tel said he saw the fire from the highway.

The Friday morning blast was felt across much of the east side of St. Paul, and in neighboring communities. It sent a fireball into the sky that was visible from at least a mile away.

Authorities say a gas leak could be to blame for the explosion, but the investigation into the blast continues.

Xcel Energy issued a statement Friday saying the utility is "working with fire officials and emergency responders on the scene, and our emergency responders have completed safety checks of the area to confirm it is safe. We will coordinate with fire officials on the investigation into the cause of the incident. Protecting the safety of the public and of our employees is a core value and we take it very seriously."

MPR News contributed to this report.