Gas explosion displaces residents

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - People are now homeless and out of jobs following the massive gas explosion in Springfield Friday evening.

22News spoke to some Worthington Street residents who found a temporary home at a nearby homeless shelter.

“Just the explosion, didn't smell anything. Nothing was going on. There was no real noise and then the explosion hit. The windows popped,” said Peter Hakes who was displaced by the explosion.

When the massive natural gas explosion at the Scores Gentlemen’s Club building sent sharp glass shards flying into their bedrooms, residents at 501 Worthington Street had no choice, but to leave immediately.

“I jumped out of bed, took my phone from under the window, and I put pants on and ran out the door,” said Ange Lacastro who was displaced by the explosion.

What used to be a building is now scattered all over the Worthington Street parking lot.

A pile of debris in the parking lot is what used to be a 2-story building with Scores Gentlemen's Club, but Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno told 22News, no matter how long it takes, the city will rebuild.

“People are very resilient. We'll assess the situation, and as soon as we move out of stabilization, we'll move forward to getting things going again,” said Sarno.

“We are going to rebuild, and just keep scrapping. We'll help folks get their lives back,” said Bill Miller who owns 501 Worthington Street.

Many residents left everything behind when they had to evacuate. All they are hoping for now is returning safely to their homes.

“I would hate to lose everything and start all over again. People I love the most are here, and I grew up here. I know every place, everybody, so it's comfortable for me,” said Ange Lacastro.

The explosion damaged at least 12 other residential and commercial buildings near Worthington and Chestnut Streets.