1 Person Killed, 2 Others Injured in Massive Explosion That Leveled a Series of Rowhouses in Philadelphia: ‘Total Chaos'
One person was killed and two people were injured after a massive explosion on a block in North Philadelphia in the early morning hours of June 29
The explosion destroyed three homes, and 10 houses have since been evacuated, per ABC News
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosionOne person was killed and two were injured following a terrifying explosion on a residential block in Philadelphia.
Firefighters responded to a report of an explosion in the 1900 block of Bristol Street just before 5 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 29, per a statement from the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) shared on social media.
The PFD said first responders arrived to find 'smoke and several homes collapsed,' and further stated that their initial priority was to locate 'people who may have been injured or trapped.'
A small fire was extinguished during search and recovery efforts, and investigators brought in a canine who helped locate the remains of the victim, per the statement.
The department said the incident was deemed an 'all-hands' status emergency, meaning there were at least 60 firefighters at the scene operating 'in various functions,' and extra equipment was required.
Once the site is deemed safe enough, members of the PFD will begin clearing rubble from the area so that the Fire Marshall's Office can investigate the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire, per the department.
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Authorities said three row houses were completely destroyed by the explosion and ensuing fire, and 10 homes were evacuated for safety reasons, per ABC News.
They also stated that both of the injured victims were female, one of whom is in critical condition while the other is currently stable, according to the outlet.
Neighborhood resident Rocky Dotson told local ABC station WPVI, that he knew something was wrong when he heard the blast from the explosion.
"I'm sitting down in the living room watching TV and all of a sudden, I hear like a boom," Dotson told the outlet.
"I came out, and it was just total chaos," Dotson recalled.
In an official statement shared on Facebook, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said she was 'deeply saddened' by news of the tragedy.
'One Philadelphian has died from her injuries. Two more individuals are being treated at Temple University Hospital. The victims — and every neighbor on Bristol Street and nearby — are in our prayers this evening,' she continued.
Parker added that anyone who would like to donate to help victims impacted by the tragedy can do so at here.
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