At least four people were killed and two others were injured in an explosion that destroyed and damaged several homes in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
Rescuers were called to a house on Washington Street and Butler Avenue around 7 a.m. Thursday for an explosion.
Several neighbors said they heard a loud explosion in the area. Videos and photos of the scene showed several houses destroyed or damaged.
“I heard a big bang,” Russell Noll, a neighbor, told NBC10. “I thought a bomb had exploded. I thought someone dropped a bomb somewhere. And then all the sirens started ringing. And it wasn’t very far from where I lived. So I started walking towards where the sirens and the ambulance were going and it was just a big bang all over the area. “
Ashley Miller, another neighbor, told NBC10 she was sitting on her bed when the back window of the room exploded.
“I just saw smoke and I thought the whole back of the house was gone and I ran for the kids and ran out the door,” Miller said.
Officials revealed late Thursday night that at least four people had been killed, two more injured and possibly two more missing. The identity and age of the victims have not yet been revealed.
The Pottstown Fire Department, the Pottstown Police, the Pennsylvania State Police, the ATF, the Fire Department and the Red Cross remain at the scene as the investigation and rescue efforts continue.
All Pottstown schools will be closed to students and staff on Friday due to the blast, Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez announced Thursday night.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to these families,” Rodriguez wrote. “When schools reopen, our counselors and psychologists will be available to support.”
This story is unfolding. Please check for updates again.