POTTSTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) – The death toll from a house explosion Thursday night in Pottstown, Montgomery County has risen.
A total of five fatalities were reported by officials on Friday afternoon.
In addition, two people were injured. A person is in a critical but stable state. Another was operated from noon.
At this point, officials said, everyone is counted.
“We are unable to provide additional information about the victims as the family notification process is underway,” Pottstown Borough manager Justin Keller told a news conference on Friday.
Neighbors told Action News that they often smelled gas in the area. Officials believe there are gas lines there, but are working to confirm that.
Authorities say there was a propane tank at the scene that was not destroyed. They are working to find out what it was used for.
The blast occurred shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday near the Hale and Butler Street area.
“We ran down the street and a house was completely destroyed,” a neighbor told Action News.
4 people were killed, 2 were injured and 2 were missing after a house exploded last night in Pottstown. Teams have been at the scene since last night. pic.twitter.com/z9ljNj9Snz
– Katherine Scott (@ KScott6abc) May 27, 2022
Neighbor Eunice Rome said she did not know the people in the house, but said her grandson Shane Rome Lawrence went to school with some of the children who lived there.
“I cried before because I was sad for them to die,” Lawrence said. “It’s crazy because nothing really happens in Pottstown.”
Ruins could be seen scattered around the neighborhood after the blast destroyed at least one house. Images of the drones showed the extent of the damage. Firefighters, police and the SEM responded to the calls.
ATF, Pennsylvania State Police, the Fire Department and the Red Cross also arrived at the scene Thursday night.
Teams were still throwing water at the site of the blast Friday morning.
Residents tell Action News they heard an explosion and then reported seeing a fire.
“The house was shaking 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 a very loud thunder nearby, but it shook the area,” he said.
Investigation into the causes of the explosion is ongoing.
While questions remain, neighbors are still surprised.
“My friend and I came here and saw them take people out,” said resident Zynir Felton.
Keller said residents who need help should come to Pottstown Senior High School.
All Pottstown School District schools are canceled on Friday.
In a letter to families, Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez said, “Our thoughts and prayers go to these families. When schools reopen, our counselors and psychologists will be available to support you.”
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