A terrifying explosion on a residential block in Philadelphia killed one person and injured two others.
Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion in the 1900 block of Bristol Street shortly before 5 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 29, according to a Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) statement shared on social media.
The PFD stated that first responders arrived to find “smoke and several homes collapsed,” and that their first priority was to locate “people who may have been injured or trapped.”
A small fire was extinguished during the search and recovery efforts, and investigators brought in a canine who assisted in locating the victim’s remains, according to the statement.
According to the department, the incident was classified as a “all-hands” emergency, which meant that at least 60 firefighters were on the scene operating “in various functions,” and that additional equipment was required.
Once the site is deemed safe, PFD members will begin clearing rubble from the area so that the Fire Marshall’s Office can investigate the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire, according to the department.
According to ABC News, the explosion and subsequent fire completely destroyed three row houses and forced the evacuation of ten others.
They also stated that both injured victims were female, with one in critical condition and the other stable, according to the outlet.
Rocky Dotson, a neighbourhood resident, told local ABC station WPVI that he knew something was wrong the moment he heard the explosion.
“I was sitting in the living room watching TV when I suddenly heard a boom,” Dotson told the outlet.
“I came out, and it was just total chaos,” Dotson recalled.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said in an official Facebook statement that she was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
“One Philadelphian died from her injuries. Two more people are receiving treatment at Temple University Hospital. “We are praying for the victims, as well as every neighbour on Bristol Street and nearby, this evening,” she added.
Parker added that anyone who wants to donate to help victims of the tragedy can do so here.
