Investigation continues after explosion rocks Port Richmond rowhomes
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Two homes in Philadelphia's Port Richmond neighborhood were leveled after an explosion ripped through the community on Sunday. A third home will likely be demolished and five people were injured.
It was just before 3 a.m. on New Year's Day when Philadelphia Gas Works and fire officials responded to a call of an explosion at the 3500 block of Miller Street. Overall, 48 homes were impacted by the blast.
Officials are back on the scene Monday resuming clean up. Footage from Drone Watch 3 shows what's left of the destruction.
There is no word on what caused the explosion as of Monday.
PECO gave an update that all the homes that lost power are now restored.
Nothing but debris remains where two rowhomes once stood before they collapsed. Fortunately, no one was home at the time of the explosion.
One person was extricated from a third home that was compromised.
Just incredible… Port Richmond residents still without power after a natural gas explosion on New Years Day leveled two row homes. 5 people were injured. @CBSPhiladelphia L&I arrived early moments ago. pic.twitter.com/YlQESFzwj9
— Wakisha Bailey_CBSPhilly (@NewsWakisha) January 2, 2023
Officials told CBS3 that several people were disoriented standing near the piles of debris and they immediately turned off the natural gas service.
PGW says they were not aware of any recent calls from the area of gas odors prior to Sunday's explosion.
Neighbors say they jumped into action, checking on one another to make sure everyone was safe.
"All of the sudden, I mean, the biggest explosion," Port Richmond resident Jay Kmiberly said. "Boom. The entire house shook on its foundation."
Another Port Richmond resident says they were "just like pulling debris off the house."
The Red Cross has been helping residents who were not able to return home. The Office of Emergency Management opened a reception center near the Samuel Rec Center to help residents with food, shelter and contact information for assistance.
Officials say the reception center is now closed. CBS3 was told that all displaced families have found a safe place to stay.
The explosion is still under investigation by the Fire Marshal's Office and the city has a list of resources and updates for the residents.