St. Louis County, Mo (KSDK) - Police say a stolen gas stove from an apartment in north St. Louis County was the cause of an overnight evacuation of residents live there.

Investigators responded to the complex in the 6100 block of Sherringham before midnight and determined that the culprits who pilfered the appliance did not bother to turn off the gas in the process.

That's what led to the building filling with gas to levels reaching explosive proportions according to authorities.

More than a dozen residents were forced outside their home due to the leak and the ventilation of the affected buildings.

No injuries reported and the search for the thieves who took the stove is continuing.