Springfield explosion: One week later

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It has been one week since a gas explosion devastated part of Springfield's Entertainment District, and now a contingent of local politicians will tour the damage.

On the evening of Friday, November 23, a Columbia Gas worker punctured a pipe that sparked an explosion at the Scores Gentleman's Club.

The cleanup process is still underway. There was a hope to have Worthington Street back open Friday between Chestnut and Spring Streets, but it is still blocked off.

On Friday, State Senator Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham) will take a group of local politicians on a tour of the rubble and to meet the people who were affected by the blast.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Senator James Welch (D-West Springfield), Representative Cheryl Coakley-Rivera (D-Springfield) and Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre) will join Candaras on the tour.

The purpose is to figure out how they can legislatively help Springfield to clean up and recover. The group also plans to visit the Friends of the Homeless Shelter located further up Worthington Street, which is where some people who were displaced by the blast are staying.

The explosion injured 21 people, destroyed at least three buildings, and damaged many more.

One of the big questions that still has be answered, is why the gas pipes were incorrectly marked. The state Department of Public Utilities is handling the investigation.