What we know so far about the Nicetown fire and explosion

Investigators are waiting for the clearance to enter the scene of a deadly explosion that led to the collapse of three rowhomes in Nicetown over the weekend which left one person dead and two injured The Philadelphia Fire Department explained they are still waiting for the area to be deemed safe so the Fire Marshal s Office can begin its review into what happened Philadelphia Fire Department executives responded to reports of a house explosion on the block of Bristol Street just before a m on Sunday The fire department arrived at the scene to three collapsed rowhomes and lots of smoke One person was revealed dead at the scene by search dogs combing through the debris As of Monday that person has not been identified Of the two who were injured one woman is in critical condition while the other is stable Those hospitalized are reportedly aged and with one being an unidentified longtime member of Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson s administrative office staff The casualties are being treated at Temple Hospital according to a social media post from Mayor Cherelle Parker More than people have been evacuated from the neighborhood until the cause of the explosion is known At least five homes were affected by the explosion Those forced from their homes by the explosion were directed to a Red Cross shelter close to the site but are still waiting for answers on when they will be able to re-enter their homes The Philadelphia Fire Department will be the lead exploring agency it commented while Philadelphia Gas Works Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives have approved they will also be on the scene to help with the assessment Mayor Cherelle Parker visited the neighborhood on Sunday to provide patronage Those who wish to help the casualties can donate to the One Philly Fund This story may be updated as more information becomes available The post What we know so far about the Nicetown fire and explosion appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY