Keller, in a Friday afternoon press conference, said investigators are "looking into" claims about the constant smell of gas in the area. Emergency crews were called to the area of Hale Street and Butler Avenue around 8 p.m. last Thursday for reports of an explosion. Authorities are still working to determine what caused the wreckage. In the Lyon and Grenoble metropolitan areas, and the Haute-Savoie department, INRAE units contribute to research activities at the Lyon-Saint-Etienne, Grenoble-Alpes, and Savoie Mont Blanc . shotty's jello shots vegan; stephanie cartel crew before surgery; what does not retained mean on job application; new restaurants coming to jacksonville nc 2022 He claims to have called the police about the odor several times, but the authorities didn't investigate the smell. It happened. 5 Killed, Including 4 Children, Identified in Pottstown House Explosion BREAKING Four children 13 years old or younger were among the five people killed in the massive house explosion in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, on Thursday evening. "We now believe everyone has been accounted for," said Justin Keller, the Pottstown Borough Manager. A third person who escaped by jumping from a window was transported to a hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Officials say there was a propane tank on the scene that was not destroyed. After fire crews were able to enter the building safely, they were able to determine that the person trapped inside did not survive. POTTSTOWN >> The Montgomery County Coroner has identified the victim of a serious fire that happened early Friday morning. Open the Article - Posted 2 weeks ago Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Arriving crews found heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor of the building, which contained a number of apartments. In addition to those killed, two people were. This family did not deserve what happened to them.. "It was more than just community in the sense that we're neighbors," said Wilkurson. The ATF (Philadelphia Arson and Explosive Team), the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals Office, the Pottstown Fire Department, and the Pottstown Police Department are investigating. Mother, father, 14-year-old son killed in Pennsylvania house fire. The investigation continues, though the fire chief believes it was an isolated incident @69News pic.twitter.com/WpCSs8zutm, "My wife called me crying and upset," said Johnny Corson, a Pottstown resident and the president of the NAACP Pottstown Chapter. "My children are not going to grow up, they are not going to a prom, to have children, they are never going to have that chance.". He said there was no evidence found of working smoke detectors in the home. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Fire chief identifies victims as members of same family. Neighbors say the area smelled of gas. You have permission to edit this article. You have permission to edit this article. Several neighbors said they heard a loud blast in the area. Girl, 8, hailed a hero for actions during medical emergency, caring for baby brother, 4 retail shops opening soon in downtown Allentown, Community members address 'After School Satan Club' at Saucon Valley school board meeting, Search warrant lists items seized as part of investigation into murder suspect Bryan Kohberger, Local baseball team holds vigil for Pottstown boy, parents who died in house fire, Family of 3 dead after Pottstown house fire, National Register Of Historic Places In Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Palmer Twp. Its how we live. Spanish: La Mure, distrito de Grenoble, Isre, Regin de Auvernia-Rdano-Alpes, Francia. What can I do? Nathan and Carissa Miller, who are expecting their first child in . Me and my friend, we came up here and saw them pulling people out, resident Zynir Felton said. Their kids loved our dog too so they would ride their bikes and followed us on walks, said neighbor Rebecca Scott. Milder with a mix of clouds and sun. They say they felt the shake of the blast for miles. Officials have not discovered what might have caused the house to explode, but neighbors and former residents of the home hinted at that a gas leak could have been the possible cause. So I started walking towards where the sirens and ambulance were going and it was just a huge explosion around the whole area.". The fire happened around 2:30 a.m. in the Pennsylvania home. Gary Juck arrived on the scene hours later, identifying his brother, 50-year-old David Juck, as the victim of the fatal blaze. Five people, including four children, were killed in a house explosion Thursday night in Pottstown. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Pottstown School District canceled classes Friday. The victims who died in the explosion were identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood . FULL STORY: This is the house my husband grew up in. A family member identified the victim of Friday's deadly fire in Pottstown, Pa. POTTSTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Firefighters battled a two-alarm apartment blaze that claimed a life in. There was an error processing your request. Also killed in the early morning fire in a twin home at 7 East Fifth St. were Joseph Norton, 48, and a 14-year-old boy. Pottstown Manager Justin Keller told reporters hours after the explosion that four people had died, and two people were taken to area hospitals. All schools in the Pottstown School District are canceled Friday. Pottstown Fire Chief Frank Hand said the . A woman, claiming to be the sister of a victim, says her brother recently bought the home on Hale Street and lived there with his wife, his mother and four children. Residents tell Action News they heard a blast and then reported seeing a fire. A 44-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman remain in critical condition at regional trauma centers, according to Pottstown Police. I thought somebody dropped a bomb somewhere. Pottstown Fire Chief Frank Hand confirmed that a 14-year-old boy and a man "in his 50s" were both killed in the fire. @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/lE5moPLWIh, Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Montgomery County officials have identified the man found shot to death in Pottstown. Hand said Tuesday afternoon that the investigation is ongoing. Success! Those wishing to schedule a "courtesy inspection," should contact the licensing and inspections department at lniadmin@pottstown.org or via phone at (610) 970-6520 Monday through Friday from 7:30. Authorities do not know what ignited the house explosion. Meanwhile, the heartbroken family members have started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral expense. "They had a journey, they explored everything, you can buy them a million toys in this whole world, and they would go out and find their own things to play with.". The individuals killed in the explosion were Francine White, 67; Alana Wood, 13; Jeremiah White, 12; Nehemiah White, 10; and Tristan White, 8, the Pottstown Police Department said. Justin Heinze , Patch Staff Posted Mon, Jun 26, 2017 at 10:43 am ET "There's a lot of technology being used to see what was going on," said Chief Hand. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing. One of them was undergoing surgery for unknown injuries and the other was in critical but stable condition, he said. ", BREAKING: 2 dead in house explosion in Pottstown. Frank Hand. Fire investigators believe the fire started in the second floor apartment where Juck lived. POTTSTOWN PA - Two Pottsgrove School District students who were victims in Monday's (Oct. 17, 2022) suspected homicide within the borough were identified by name Wednesday (Oct. 19) by the Montgomery County District Attorney's office. Four of the five people killed were 13 years old or younger, police said. Five people lost their lives in the massive blast. "We'd call police, they'd come out, not smell anything, and say it was fine.". Missing Baby Found Safe in Upper Darby, Police Say, Pennsylvania Man Accused of Trying to Bring Explosive on Airplane, QVC Parent Company Qurate Lays Off 400 as Part of Turnaround Plan, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside. The fire happened around 2:30 a.m. in the Pennsylvania home. Meet Maddy Siegrist, Villanova's most-decorated player in team history, Philly school is taking action after recent fight in hallway, How to fight rising energy costs amid PGW rate hikes. They believe the fire started accidentally in the house's kitchen, which they then believe grew to an appliance related fire. Chief Frank Hand of the Pottstown fire department said the three victims were father, mother and son. Please give today. pottstown police blotter hmcs skeena crew list highland hills ranch death . Reading School District reported the "sad news" of the death of Bernadette Norton, a school counselor at . . The coroner. Of them, 20 were deemed false alarms. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Artie Bradley, 38, of Pottstown, was found at 11:27 a.m. Friday at Washington and Beech streets,. Firefighters, police and EMS responded to the calls. Counselors are going to have to be involved, definitely, she said. "I heard a huge explosion," Russell Noll, a neighbor, told NBC10 Philadelphia. "My children are not going to grow up, they are not going to a prom, to have children, they are never going to have that chance," McKee said. POTTSTOWN, Pa. | The Pottstown Fire Department has released what they say is the cause of the tragic home fire that killed a local family of three on Monday. ", "It was like, 'was that person in that house?' Neighbors are looking for answers, after four children and one woman were killed. Joseph Norton, 48, died of smoke and soot inhalation, according to the results of an autopsy performed by the Montgomery County Coroners office. It hit too close to home., Pottstown home explodes, leaving 5 dead. Keller said residents that need assistance should come to the Pottstown Senior High School. POTTSTOWN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Officials have identified the five people who were killed and the two people who were seriously injured in a Thursday night house explosion in Pottstown,. The farm is located at 356 Hard Hill Road (Route 143). Also not yet released is the cause of the smoky fire which killed all three, as well as the family dog. Mitchell told Action News how she and several others tried to save their neighbor from his second floor apartment. The Red Cross continues to help about 25 people from nine families at the high school. Officials said Thursday night that there were also two people who were unaccounted for, but. "I thought a bomb went off. At least two homes were destroyed, and at least six others were damaged. Neighbor Kim Kulp says her grandchildren referred to the victims as classmates and best friends. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Can I burn leaves/trash/construction waste. Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. The victims were later identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood, 13, Jeremiah White, 12, Nehemiah White, 10, and 8-year-old Tristan White. ATF, Pennsylvania State Police, the fire marshals office, and the Red Cross also arrived to the scene Thursday night. "He was supposed to come over for Christmas," said Juck. We all came outside to see what was going on, another neighbor said. Success! Couples renew wedding vows at Chestnut Knoll, Chestnut Knoll residents recognized for wellness program success, 1 Hospitalized After Shooting At Pottstown Wawa: Reports, Protect Your Home from Ticks with Yard Guard from Viking Pest, Threats To 'Shoot Everyone' At Pa School Club Leads To Arrest, Search Warrant Reveals Items Seized From PA Home Of Bryan Kohberger, TriCounty Area Chamber Of Commerce: TLI Expands Into Texas, TriCounty Area Chamber Of Commerce: Steel River Playhouse Presents 'The Laramie Project', Check Out These Homes For Sale In Pottstown, Fallen Heroes Auto Show Benefits Local K9 Officers Who Recently Died, Officials Reveal Dogs Were Rescued From & Survived Home Explosion, Safety Inspectors Continue To Look Into Cause Of Deadly House Blast. The fire chief tells us sifting through the scene of an explosion like this is a slow and meticulous process. American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania says it will offer community members free breakfast and lunch on Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Pottstown Senior High School. 2 People Killed, Several Trapped In Rubble In Pottstown House Explosion, Officials SayTwo people were killed and several others were trapped after a home in Pottstown was leveled by an explosion. ", "That's what Pottstown does," said Corson. Fire department officials. A Montgomery County fast food restaurant is banning those under the age of 16 from dining in without an adult after a series of unacceptable behaviors. A Montoursville area couple was left homeless Monday after an accidental fire erupted in their Upper Fairfield Township home. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? They site that this would have most likely resulted in house-wide mechanical failures. A mother, father and son were killed in a Pottstown, Montgomery County, house fire on Monday.The fire happened around 2:30 a.m. in the Pennsylvania home. Hand said the cause of the smoky blaze hadnt yet been determined but it appeared to have been accidental. All Rights Reserved. "They said there were bodies outside the house. Local headlines and stories are HeadTopics.com immediately. The victims who died in the explosion were identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood, 13, Jeremiah White, 12, Nehemiah White, 10, and Tristan White, 8, according to authorities. Authorities arrived to find a home completely leveled and a massive debris field with damage to neighboring properties. The growing memorial truly illustrates how Mrs. Nortons tent continues to be a source of comfort and how her bright ideas continue to shine during this dark time, the statement continued. A picture is part of the memorial for school counselor Bernadette Norton set up outside Lauer's Park Elementary School in Reading, PA Tuesday afternoon June 22, 2021. Brand New App to watch all of WFMZ-TV News and Syndicated Programing 24/7 on your Streaming App enabled TV. Mercer County Coroner John Libonati has identified the victim as Lewis Isenberg, 40, of Sandy Lake Township. Those killed in the blast have been identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood, 13, Jeremiah White, 12, Nehemiah White, 10, and Tristan White, 8. 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Morning clouds, patchy fog, and a lingering shower, then becoming partly sunny, breezy, and quite mild. A fire broke out suddenly in one home and spread quickly to another home. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Shop Our Favorite February Amazon Deals Before the Sales End, The 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens of 2023, According to Pros, 14 TikTok-Famous Cleaning Products That Actually Work, According to Our Experts, 14 Best Healthier Candy Alternatives of 2023, According to Taste Tests. The team will move forward with the Norton family in their hearts, on the field, and as the driving force to bring them home. The second victim has not yet been identified. They are working to find out what it was being used for. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. Pottstown, PA (February 21, 2022) - Around 1:43 a.m. on Monday morning, February 21, one person was killed in a fatal house fire in Pottstown. However, authorities did not release his name.Chief Frank Hand of the Pottstown Fire Department said the three victims were father, mother and son. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? The victims were later identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood, 13, Jeremiah White, 12 . They say careless smoking could have sparked the blaze, but the investigation is ongoing. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Officials: 4 dead, 2 hurt in Pennsylvania home explosionPottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller confirmed in a press conference that the explosion occurred Thursday just after 8 p.m. in Pottstown, about 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. An autopsy on the boy was also undertaken by the coroners office, but a supervisor there said the office does not release information about minors. Cathy McKee - whose son's Jeremiah, 12, and Nehemiah, 10, died in the blast - told FOX 29's Eddie Kadhim that every day has been harder than the last. POTTSTOWN, Pa. - As investigators continue to search for what caused a home explosion last week in Pottstown, family members of those killed are struggling to find closure. The blast originated at a home on Hale Street near Butler Avenue around 8 p.m. Thursday, and damaged other houses nearby. David Juck, 55, was the single victim of a fire that broke out. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, What the Tech? Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Their names and ages are: Francine White, 67 Alana Wood, 13 Five people, including four children, were killed in a house explosion Thursday night in Pottstown. We're hearing from the football coach of the youngest victim. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and officials say it will continue for some time.. 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