A massive explosion in Philadelphia leveled two homes and injured five people — one critically — on Sunday.
Two people were pulled from the rubble and three others were treated at the scene before all five were transported to local-area hospitals after two homes in the Port Richmond area were destroyed in the enormous explosion, according to a release from the Philadelphia Fire Department. In addition to the two flattened homes, neighboring buildings were reported damaged from the explosion.
The explosion pushed several cars from the street, blew out windows, and sent debris flying everywhere, according to reports from Fox29. The explosion is thought to have been caused by multiple gas leaks.
Just a few hours into the new year, a natural gas explosion in Philadelphia. The future of gas utilities amid climate change will be one of my reporting priorities this year. https://t.co/VoAFyTx4dl pic.twitter.com/DvYywnfRQV
— Jeff Brady (@jeffbradynews) January 1, 2023
“We had multiple gas leaks in the area and the smell of gas coming from multiple areas,” Philadelphia’s Assistant Fire Chief Charles Walker told Fox29.
Roughly 100 firefighters, medics, and additional emergency staff responded to the explosion just before 3:00 a.m., Fox29 noted. Witnesses said the blast was strong enough to make ash rain down from the sky. At least one individual was reportedly knocked unconscious inside a car from the force of the explosion.
“We were very fortunate from what we know now not to have a loss of life, because it’s the middle of the night and everyone is sleeping,” Walker continued. “And if it’s confirmed to be a gas leak, it’s very rare to have the magnitude of this type of damage occur to not have loss of life, truly a blessing.” (RELATED: Four Dead, Two Injured In House Explosion Outside Of Philadelphia)
Images of the debris were shared online, showing the spaces the two homes had once occupied. Anyone impacted by the explosion has been told to contact Philadelphia Gas Works, the fire department noted.