Early Sunday morning, an explosion struck Philadelphia’s north side, causing serious damage to several homes. The blast killed one person and injured two others, who were taken to the hospital. One of the injured is stable, while the other remains in critical condition.
Firefighters arrived shortly before 5 a.m. after receiving reports of the explosion. According to Daniel McCarty, an executive officer with the Philadelphia Fire Department, about five homes suffered heavy damage, with some structures collapsing. Rescue teams are still searching the area to ensure no one else is trapped.
The department faces a challenge in keeping the surrounding houses safe, as there is a risk the damage could spread. McCarty explained that the operation is expected to last all day due to the extent of the destruction and safety concerns.
At this time, officials have not identified what caused the explosion. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the blast and prevent similar incidents in the future. The community is left shaken as emergency crews continue to work through the aftermath.