Four children were among the five people killed in a house explosion Thursday night in Pennsylvania, according to a report.
Alana Wood, 13; Jeremies White, 12; Nehemies White, 10; Tristany White, 8; and 67-year-old Francine White were killed in a Pottstown blast that destroyed a house and damaged others, officials said on Friday, according to WPVI-TV.
Eugene White, 44, and Kristina Matuzsan, 32, were left in critical condition, the station reported. It was not clear how the victims were related.
Authorities said the cause of the blast was still being investigated.
Neighbor Kim Kulp says her grandchildren were the best friends of the young victims.
“Everyone will be affected by this. That’s just awful. He hit too close to home,” Kulp told the station.
“Her kids loved our dog too, so they rode bikes and kept walking us,” said neighbor Rebecca Scott. “They were very old kids. This family didn’t deserve what happened to them.”
Five people were killed in the blast. Matt Rourke / AP
Stunned neighbors described the violent impact, which sparked a loud two-alarm fire.
“I really thought it was a very loud thunder nearby, but it shook the area,” Christian Gonzalez told the station.
“The house was shaking and I thought it was an earthquake. We all went out to see what was going on, “said another neighbor.
The cause of the explosion is still being investigated. Matt Rourke / AP
Classes were canceled Friday in the 22,000th district, about 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to these families. When the schools reopen, our counselors and psychologists will be available to support you,” Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez said in a letter to the families.