Investigation Continues Into Cause Of Pottstown House Explosion

POTTSTOWN, PA — Authorities are continuing their investigation into a deadly house explosion in the borough last week, an incident that led to five fatalities and two individuals being seriously injured.

A little after 8 p.m. on May 26, emergency responders descended upon a scene of a massive house explosion on the 400 block of Hale Street after reports of the devastation came in to 911.

The following day, borough officials updated the public on the incident, saying the explosion led to the deaths of four children — ages 8, 10, 12 and 13 — plus a 67-year-old adult.

Two other individuals — a 32-year-old and a 44-year-old — were being treated for serious injuries and were last listed in critical condition.

The cause of the blast is still undetermined, and borough officials said that the investigation is moving forward with the help of the ATF's Philadelphia Arson and Explosive Team, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal's Office, Pottstown Fire Department and Pottstown Police Department.

"Borough officials do not expect to provide additional public updates until investigators are ready to release details regarding the cause of the explosion," the Pottstown Police Department stated in a news release from late last week. "Thank you for your understanding."

While the cause of the blast is still unknown, some news reports have mentioned that the destroyed home was not a customer of PECO natural gas service, leading to further confusion on what might have caused the explosion.

The Mercury newspaper of Pottstown reported recently that while the home was apparently not serviced by natural gas, there did appear to be a propane tank at the property.

However, the paper stated, there are still nearby natural gas mains in the neighborhood that service other homes in the area.

On Sunday evening, a vigil was held in honor of the victims of the house explosion.

Coverage of that event can be found here on 6 ABC.

Editor's Note: Patch will continue to bring up-to-date information on the house explosion as it becomes available.