A massive explosion in North Philadelphia early Sunday has left at least one person dead and two others injured, according to officials.
The blast, which occurred around 4:50 a.m. local time in the Nicetown neighborhood, completely destroyed three row houses and caused significant damage to several other homes in the area.
Firefighters from the Philadelphia Fire Department arrived at the scene to find the attached row houses engulfed in flames and collapsed.
Daniel McCarty, the department’s executive officer, noted that search and rescue efforts were underway, utilizing a search dog to locate any potential victims still trapped in the debris.
The cause of the explosion remains undetermined, with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joining the investigation efforts, McCarty confirmed.
As the chaos unfolded, firefighters and police officers managed to rescue two women from one of the damaged residences.
The women, suffering from serious injuries, were transported to a local hospital, where one was reported to be in critical condition while the other was stable.
During a later search, teams were alerted to the possible presence of another victim buried beneath the wreckage.
A police official revealed that, after excavating the rubble, they discovered an individual who, unfortunately, had succumbed to injuries sustained in the explosion.
Upon learning of the tragic event, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker visited the hospital to speak with the injured women’s families and offer her support.
“Philadelphia, we want to ask that you lift them up in prayer,” Parker stated, highlighting the city’s commitment to providing assistance to all affected by the incident.
The explosion not only devastated the row houses but also impacted surrounding homes, leaving many with broken windows and structural damages.
Additionally, several vehicles in the vicinity were damaged and buried under debris from the blast.
Local resident Rocky Dotson, who lives just two blocks away, recounted the moment he heard the explosion, describing it as a significant ‘boom’ that disrupted his evening.
Before stepping outside to investigate, a family member informed him of the chaos resulting from the explosion nearby.
“I came out, and it was just total chaos,” Dotson recalled, witnessing first responders arriving at the scene in large numbers.
Dotson mentioned that he had walked past the now-destroyed houses merely two days prior, expressing disbelief at their sudden absence.
McCarty indicated that PICO, the Philadelphia electric utility, along with Philadelphia Gas Works, was assisting at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
As a precaution, approximately 10 homes in the vicinity have been evacuated, and a temporary emergency shelter has been established for affected residents.
Investigators are meticulously combing through the debris, searching ‘literally brick by brick’ to uncover any evidence that could explain what led to this catastrophic event.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, support efforts for all those impacted continue.
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