POTTSTOWN, PA (WPVI) – Firefighters have been sweeping through the rubble of a large house explosion that shook a community in Montgomery County and killed at least four people.
It happened shortly after 8pm on Thursday near the Hale and Butler Street area in Pottstown.
“We ran down the street and a house was completely destroyed,” a neighbor told Action News.
In addition to the four fatalities, Pottstown Borough manager Justin Keller confirmed that two people were hospitalized for unknown injuries and that two others may still be missing.
Police have not yet identified the victims.
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. The drone’s images 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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