Missouri Teen Burned On 85% Of His Body After Natural Gas Explosion Destroys Homes + He Was Able To Escape Through The Flames

Missouri Teen Burned On 85% Of His Body After Natural Gas Explosion Destroys Homes + He Was Able To Escape Through The Flames

An 18-year-old survivor is fighting for his life after a powerful home explosion in north St. Louis County left him critically injured.

According to news outlet KSDK, family members say Dontea Anthony Jr., 18, was in the basement when the blast occurred. He managed to escape through flames but suffered burns on 85% of his body.

“He has a very challenging road ahead of him,” his aunt wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to support the Hardy-Anthony family.

St. Louis County Police Chief Kenneth Gregory said Tuesday the explosion was likely caused by natural gas, though the investigation continues. Officials have ruled out criminal activity.

Anthony, a recent Hazelwood Central graduate, was home alone while his twin brother attended Maryville on a full-ride track scholarship, his mother was jogging, and his father was at work.

The explosion destroyed or damaged more than 20 homes and forced evacuations across the neighborhood.

 

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Prayers to him during this challenging time.

VIA: KSDK