Cleanup underway in blast zone following gas explosion

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Friday explosion on Worthington Street damaged 42 buildings - 3 of those will have to be demolished - and injured 20 people, including Springfield firefighters, police officers and Columbia Gas workers.

Springfield's Building Commissioner and Fire Commissioner had a bird's eye view Saturday of the Worthington and Chestnut Street area.

The blast leveled Scores Gentlemen's Club at 435 Worthington Street and heavily damaged nearby residential and commercial buildings.

Building inspectors examined 42 buildings, 3 are condemned, 15 safe to go in and 24 will need inspectors to go in with the owners.

Worthington, Spring, Chestnut and Taylor Street areas have been blocked off for the last two days while crews worked to find out what caused this massive blast. This perimeter has shrunk overnight. Now Worthington Street is open from Dwight to Chestnut Streets. Public has access to Mardi Gras parking lot.

Columbia Gas is still looking into what caused this massive explosion.

They plan on excavating the line that served Scores Gentlemen's Club.

All natural gas service to this area remains intact though.

A temporary headquarter for all departments and agencies is now open at 436 Dwight Street. Anybody who needs help with shelter, food and clothing can stop by any time between 10 and 4 today. Then on Monday all those operations will move to City Hall.