PHILADELPHIA: A powerful early-morning explosion in North Philadelphia leveled three row houses, killing one person and injuring two elderly women, according to city fire officials.
According to media reports, fire crews rushed to 1900 West Bristol Street shortly before 5 a.m. after reports of a massive blast followed by a fire. Acting Executive Chief Daniel McCarty said the row homes collapsed inward in the explosion, trapping residents under debris.
Rescue teams pulled two elderly women from the rubble and took them to local hospitals. One was in critical condition, while the other was reported stable as of Sunday morning.
The identity of the deceased victim has not been released. The cause of the explosion is under investigation by fire and safety officials. Authorities are also working to determine if anyone else may have been inside at the time of the blast.
