Two other people were injured in the explosion. According to a news release from the Columbia Fire Department, a neighbor, John "Jack" Kennedy raced to the house to try and help. He found Carl Sneed trapped under debris. Before Kennedy could help, the fire from the blast was too intense. Kennedy was treated and released from Boone Hospital Center with minor burns. The department said a firefighter also suffered minor burns but was treated and released back to duty.

Merna Sneed was found in the backyard of her home after the explosion, possibly thrown from the house by the force of the explosion. The fire department said Merna was taken to University Hospital with Class One Trauma burns over 30 percent. She is in critical condition at the George Peak Burn Center as of 5:00 a.m. Monday.

Ameren UE was on the scene to investigate if the explosion was caused by a natural gas leak, but no evidence of such a leak was found. According to the fire department, an investigation continues looking into reports, statements, photos and video footage of the fire. No cause has been determined.

While natural gas has been considered only as a possible cause for the explosion, the Columbia Fire Department gives the following safety tips regarding it:

-Natural gas smells like "rotten eggs" to many people due to the chemical Mercaptan, which gas companies add.

-If you smell natural gas in a building, leave and call 911 from outside. Do not turn on lights or appliance, as this may cause a spark that would ignite the gas.

-If you smell natural gas outside, move to an area where you can no longer smell the gas and call 911.

-Have your appliances that use natural gas checked by qualified service personnel to ensure they are functioning properly.

-Have the plumbing system in your home checked to ensure it is in good condition with tight fittings and joints.