Drug Lab Blamed For Manchester Home Explosion

A drug lab is believed to be the cause of an explosion and fire in the basement of a home at 1105 Holgate Drive Thursday night.

Fire crews and got the call of a house fire at 9:05 p.m. Thursday.

"The fire was contained to the basement," said Fire Marshal Terry DeGuentz. "It was a very small fire on a work bench to the basement."

"It was also reported that two men had been seen running form the residence moments after the fire was discovered," said Manchester police Sergeant Craig Smith. He said Manchester police located the individuals involved in the incident and determined the fire was related to a "drug violation."

DeGuentz confirms reports by residents that the fire was caused by a meth lab.

"It's been cordoned off as a crime scene," DeGuentz tells Town and County - Manchester Patch. "When we arrived on the scene, Manchester police had obtained enough evidence and information on the scene. The occupant had fessed up to what had happened. They knew it was a drug lab and we proceeded very cautiously after that."

Smith tells Patch Hazmat was called in, "The St. Louis County Drug Task Force responded to address the potential need for a hazardous scene clean-up."

The homeowner and one occupant of the home were injured in the fire, but both refused to be taken to the hospital, according to DeGuentz.

Manchester and St. Louis County police were on scene working to secure evidence.

"There were several people who were detained by the police and they are being questioned," DeGuentz said. 

"Charges are pending on three individuals," Smith said early Friday morning.

The house was condemned Thursday night just before midnight.

Fire crews from Valley Park and Metro West also responded to the blaze.