A massive explosion in Philadelphia leveled three buildings – killing at least one person and injuring two others in a “chaotic” scene early Sunday.
A trio of row houses “exploded in on themselves” at around 4:30 a.m. and ignited a fire, according to Philadelphia Fire Department Acting Chief Daniel McCarty.
“Preliminary reports where there were people trapped,” McCarty said. “We were able to locate two residents and transport them to area hospitals, both being elderly females, one being critical, one stable.”
The fire department said one home was the source of the “primary explosion” and that the other two were “secondary collapses.” McCarty noted that at least five row homes have been affected.
Fire officials confirmed one person died in the explosion, however no details were given about the victim. The cause of the explosion is also not known.
McCarty said the next priority is to make sure the hazard doesn’t spread by ensuring the stability of surrounding homes.
“Our men and women of the fire department will go through with their special operations company to ensure that no one is unaccounted for on this block. So this will be an extensive all-day operation for the Philadelphia Fire Department.”
This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.
