"It's just a miracle.  God had to have his hand on this to keep anyone from getting hurt," said Gerald Green.

With an entire city block nearly wiped out, it's still a shock to many living in West Springfield that a massive natural gas explosion didn't do more damage than it did.

"I live about three and a half blocks from here, up on Homewood.  When it happened, I thought something right outside the house had exploded.  It was so loud," said Green.

Luckily for most, the heaviest damage was contained to the homes just around the explosion site.

In all, six homes were deemed unlivable.

Moments after yesterday's explosion, building inspectors put these dangerous building warnings on many neighboring residents' homes. 

Earlier Friday a few of those residents got a chance to enter their homes to get personal belongings, but it could be a while before they get to occupy their homes again.

Even those who were lucky enough to go home were only allowed in long enough to get out the necessities.

The woman living next door to the explosion site, was even lucky to get her chickens out.

The American Red Cross is also on-site to help those who may need long-term help.

"We will work with them, take their names down to give to our Red Cross, and we will work towards getting them assistance, or into a new home, or whatever it takes to get them back to where they were at before the incident," said Greg Gaines with Red Cross.

Also on hand Friday were several insurance adjustors, surveying the damage to homes on the inside and out.

One home owner says he is hopeful, but with an entire wall being knocked off its foundation, recovery will be a long road.

"According to the insurance adjustor, yeah, it can be repaired.  I think it's going to be pretty expensive, but I think until we start taking the house apart, we're not going to know the extent of the damage," said Wes Bowman.

That's a scenario many residents in the neighborhood will be facing over the next few weeks.

It's unclear at this point when they will allowed back into their homes.

Many of those are just structurally unsound.

City Utilities say they still believe a natural gas leak led to yesterday's explosion.

Springfield authorities say the home owner had been working on a natural gas water heater hours before the explosion.

The city says the home owner will likely not be held liable for damage to other properties.

However, Springfield's city manager says help is available to neighbors.

"The city also has some type of loan program available to the homeowners who will need to rebuild or repair their homes, but that will depend on each person's circumstances," said Greg Burris.

Affected neighbors can call the Springfield Neighborhood Conservation Office for more information on any loans that are available.

The number is 417-864-1695.

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com