One person is reported killed and more than a dozen injured in a massive gas explosion west of Peoria in Canton that reduced portions of the city’s downtown district to rubble. Emergency crews, including multiple ambulances, responded to the blast around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

Four Ameren workers were cleaning up a natural gas spill when the explosion occurred.

Fulton County Coroner Steve Hines confirmed the fatality was an employee of Ameren Illinois. The injured were transported to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria and Graham Hospital in Canton. The extent of their injuries is unknown.

Downtown Canton following an explosion there on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 16. (Photo by Holly Eitenmiller/for Chronicle Media)

One building along First Avenue was leveled by the explosion and extensive damage was caused to The Opera House Professional Building at 45 East Side Square. The blast shattered windows in surrounding buildings on First Avenue and Elm and Chestnut streets. Glass, window frames, an awning, paper and other debris litter the streets and green spaces.

A video  (see below) from a closed circuit camera in Crow Hollow Boutique at 30 W. Elm St. recorded the immediate aftershocks of the blast, in which the windows and doors were shattered.

According to Ameren Illinois, around 540 residents were without power late Wednesday night following the explosion. Zach Nayden lives five blocks east of the square. “My whole house shook and the power went out,” he said. “I went outside and saw the plume. I hopped in my truck and headed uptown.”

“My house was rocked like an earthquake,” David Heaton said. “I walked outside and saw what looked like a mushroom cloud.”

The Salvation Army at 176 S. First Ave. was open and providing shelter and water to those who may be displaced or without power due to the emergency. Police cordoned off the business district and Fulton County ESDA engineers are on site to determine the safety of the buildings.

— Explosion kills one, injures at least a dozen in Canton —