**Mass Casualty Incident Declared After House Explosion in Jefferson City**

Early Saturday morning, a house explosion on St. Louis Road in Jefferson City led to a significant emergency response, resulting in the rescue of six residents. The incident occurred at 2:44 am, prompting Jefferson City firefighters to swiftly react to the scene.

Upon arrival, the EMS Chief Officer upgraded the emergency from a simple house explosion to a Mass Casualty Incident. Emergency crews, including the Jefferson City Fire Department's Special Operations Rescue Team, diligently worked to free the trapped individuals. Their efforts stretched until 5:52 am when the last resident was successfully extricated from beneath layers of rubble.

The injuries ranged from moderate to severe among the six residents. To expedite medical care, emergency workers transported two victims to Jefferson City Memorial Airport for airlift to University Hospital. The remaining four were also taken to the hospital by ground transport. Additionally, rescuers found and retrieved two pets, who were subsequently handed over to animal control.

The response was a collaborative effort involving the Jefferson City Fire and Police Departments, Cole County EMS, and mutual-aid resources from Osage, Callaway, and Mid-Mo Ambulance Districts, MU Air Medical, Mercy LifeLine, and AirEvac Lifeteam. The Jefferson City Public Works provided an excavator to aid in the debris removal, an effort expected to last throughout the day.

Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion.