PHILADELPHIA — Multiple gas leaks in Port Richmond resulted in an explosion early New Year's Day that led to the collapse of two homes and multiple people being taken to hospitals, according to city fire officials.
None of the injuries appeared to be fatal, but two people were rescued from the rubble and three others required emergency medical services before being taken to the hospital, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department.
The incident happened around 2:50 a.m. on the 3500 block of Miller Street, according to city officials. Residents in the area described hearing something comparable to a multivehicle car crash.
"I heard a bang, came outside, and everybody started coming out," said Thomas Bonk, who lives on the 3600 block of Miller Street. His home was fine, but his neighbor's window was one of several blown out due to the explosion's force.
Longtime residents recalled a similar explosion that occurred just blocks away from the 3500 block of Miller Street in 1999. Eight people were injured, and three homes were destroyed in the suspected gas explosion.
Tara Dendall, who lives around the corner from the explosion on the corner of Gaul and Atlantic Streets, said she was awakened by the loud boom and bits of debris falling on her arm. Dendall, her brother, and daughter were able to evacuate without injury, though their home sustained significant damage.
All of the back-facing windows and some of her front windows were blown out. Bricks and fragments of Dendall's wooden fence lay on her front lawn.
"I have to smile and laugh at it because if I don't ... it could be worse," said Dendall signaling to the collapsed homes. "I could be people behind me, and I couldn't imagine that."
Details about the explosion were not immediately available. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.
Fire officials on the scene told news media that some of the red brick rowhomes were leveled. The city's Office of Emergency Management is also involved in coordinating efforts at the scene. Samuel Recreation Center is serving as a meeting point for displaced families.
Bonk and other nearby residents were told their power would be off for several hours Sunday.
The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania said its responders are working with the Office of Emergency Management, and are providing hot beverages and blankets to residents gathered at Samuel Recreation Center.
