POTSTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) – Fire crews are sifting through the rubble of a massive house explosion that shook a community in Montgomery County and killed at least four people.
It happened shortly after 8 pm on Thursday in the area of Hale and Butler streets in Potstown.
“We were running down the street and a house was completely destroyed,” a neighbor told Action News.
In addition to the four deaths, Pottstown Borough manager Justin Keller confirmed that two people had been hospitalized for unknown injuries and two others may be unaccounted for.
Police have not yet identified the victims.
Four people were killed, two were injured and two are missing after a house explosion last night in Potstown. Teams have been on the scene since last night. pic.twitter.com/z9ljNj9Snz
– Catherine Scott (@ KScott6abc) May 27, 2022
Neighbor Eunice Rome said she did not know the people at the home, but said her grandson Shane Rom Lawrence went to school with some of the children who lived there.
“I cried earlier because I was sad they died,” Lawrence said. “It’s crazy because nothing’s happening in Potstown.”
The wreckage could be seen scattered around the neighborhood after the blast leveled at least one home. Drone footage shows the extent of the damage.
Firefighters, police and ambulance responded to the calls.
The ATF, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Fire Department and the Red Cross also arrived on the scene Thursday night.
Crews were still blowing water at the site of the blast early Friday morning.
Residents told Action News they heard an explosion and then reported seeing a fire.
“The house shook and I thought it was an earthquake. We all went outside to see what was going on,” said another neighbor.
Neighbor Christian Gonzalez says he initially thought it was thunder.
“I really thought it was really thundering nearby, but it shook the area,” he said.
The investigation into the causes of the explosion continues.
As questions remain, neighbors are still stunned.
“My friend and I came here and saw them pulling people out,” said resident Zinir Felton.
Keller said residents in need should come to Potstown High School.
All schools in the Potstown school district were canceled on Friday.
In a letter to the families, Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez said: “Our thoughts and prayers are directed to these families. When schools reopen, our counselors and psychologists will be available to support. ”
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