New details on cause of Springfield explosion

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Worthington Street is still closed as workers continue to cleanup from the aftermath of this blast, which officials say was caused by human error.

On Friday afternoon, there was a report of a gas odor inside the Scores Gentlemen's Club on Worthington Street. According to investigators, a Columbia Gas worker came to the building and began searching outside for the leak. He used a metal probe to make holes, as he tried to measure gas levels. But in the process, the State Fire Marshall said that the employee punctured a gas line that was improperly marked. Once the worker realized this, people in the area were evacuated immediately.

It took Columbia Gas up to thirty minutes to shut off the gas, but in that time, enough gas had already seeped into the building--which then led to the explosion.

The blast completely leveled Scores Gentlemen's Club and damaged at least forty other buildings--three of which have been condemned. However, many are saying it's a miracle that no one was killed in this incident.  About 21 people were injured--most were utility workers and first responders--but they're expected to be okay.

On Monday, Red Cross caseworkers will be at their Dwight Street service center from 10 AM to 4 PM, assisting first responders and residents affected by the explosion. Volunteers will also be outside handing out cleaning items as well as canvassing the surrounding neighborhoods, posting information on where residents can go for help.