On Sunday, June 29th, a large-scale explosion occurred in a residential area in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States, resulting in at least one death and two injuries. The blast leveled three row houses and damaged several other houses in the surrounding area.
The Philadelphia Fire Department released a statement on social media, stating that around 4:50 am local time on Sunday, they received reports of an explosion in the 1900 block of Bristol Street.
Officials mentioned that when firefighters and police arrived at the scene, they found three connected row houses completely collapsed and on fire. Firefighters and police immediately began searching the debris and rescued two women from one of the collapsed homes.
The two injured women were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Daniel McCarty, the head of the Philadelphia Fire Department, stated that one of the victims is in critical condition, while the other is in stable condition.
The statement noted that firefighters extinguished a small fire during the search and rescue operation. Investigators also brought in a search dog to help locate any bodies of those who may have perished in the explosion.
The Fire Department categorized the incident as a “full response” level emergency, which means that at least 60 firefighters were involved in the rescue efforts on-site, requiring additional equipment for support.
McCarty mentioned that the specific cause of the explosion and fire has yet to be determined. He stated that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BAFTE) has arrived at the scene to assist in the investigation.
An official from the Philadelphia Police Department stated in a press conference, “After clearing some of the rubble, we found a deceased individual in one of the collapsed homes. Upon examination, it was determined that the person had died during the collapse.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker mentioned that she visited the hospital to see the two injured individuals and had conversations with their family members.
McCarty, the Fire Department head, stated that both the Philadelphia Electric Company and Philadelphia Gas Company arrived at the scene on Sunday to assist with the investigation. He added that residents of approximately ten houses in the explosion area have been evacuated and a temporary emergency shelter has been set up.
(Adapted from a report by ABC News)