One person was killed and at least two others were injured when a home exploded in Philadelphia early Sunday, damaging several surrounding residences.
All three victims are women, local CBS affiliate KYW reported. An 82-year-old woman and a 62-year-old woman were injured in the blast, authorities said. None of the victims have been identified further.
The explosion rattled Philadelphia’s Nicetown neighborhood around 5 a.m., officials said. Emergency personnel immediately responded to the scene and began combing through the destruction.
Three row houses were totaled in the blast, according to KYW. In addition to the collapsed residences, four more homes had significant damage. Several more homes were evacuated due to instability. The Red Cross provided temporary housing for 24 people.
“The biggest thing is the stability of the surrounding houses, making sure that this hazard doesn’t spread,” Philadelphia Fire Department executive officer Daniel McCarty said. “This will be an extensive, all-day operation for the Philadelphia Fire Department.”
The cause of the explosion is under investigation. Workers with Philadelphia Gas Workers and the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections were on the scene.
With News Wire Services
