Pennsylvania – Four dead and two were injured after a deadly explosion happened in Pottstown, northwest of Pennsylvania, at around 8:00 p.m on Thursday, officials said.
“At least four people were killed and two others were injured Thursday night after a house exploded in a borough near Philadelphia, officials said,” CNN Tweeted.
“Two additional people may be unaccounted for,” said Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller.
The blast happened in the borough on Thursday night, just 30 miles from northwest Philadelphia. Officials did not disclose the cause of the incident.
Keller told the news reporters that, officials from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as well as the state fire marshal’s office were at the location, responding to the scene.
At around 8:07 p.m, the first 911 calls were reportedly received, said the representative for the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, Todd Stieritz.
The identities of the 4 deceased victims have not been revealed yet. However, Keller said that the injured two were taken to the hospital for immediate treatment.
Photos from the location obtained by NBC Philadelphia showed debris all over the street.
“2 people also remain missing after the Pottstown blast that sparked a heavy two-alarm fire, obliterated one home & left surrounding houses decimated, photos show,” CJ4America reported on Twitter.
The nearby resident, Russell Noll, told the media that “I heard a huge explosion” and “I thought a bomb went off.” Another resident said, the explosion ‘blew out’ her windows.
In light of the current situation, the Pottstown district announced the closure of schools on Friday.
Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez stated that the blast “destroyed three homes” and forced locals to avoid crossing the explosion area. He further sent a message to parents saying, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families. When schools open again, our counsellors and psychologists will be available to provide support. Thank you and stay safe.”
