Gas explosion eyed in Springfield blast that sent 3 to hospitals

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Authorities say an explosion at a Springfield apartment complex that sent three people to hospitals over the weekend is believed to have been caused by a gas explosion.

Emergency crews in Springfield were called to the Ridgewood Court Townhomes at about 1:00 p.m. Saturday after the blast.

Officials said three people were transported from the scene in multiple medical helicopters; there was no immediate word on their conditions.

Brian Miller, chief of the Springfield Fire Rescue Division, told the Springfield News-Sun that crews had already been dispatched to investigate a reported natural gas leak and were nearby when the explosion occurred.