W. Brandywine Housefire, Explosion Not Criminally Caused: Police

WEST BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP, PA — Rumors compelled West Brandywine Township's Chief of Police to issue a public statement Thursday that criminal activity — namely a methamphetamine lab — was not involved in the July 21 house explosion and fire that injured a family.

In an official update on the house fire incident on Hibernia Road, the West Brandywine Police Department said rumors are so bad they are "plaguing" the property owner.

Police Chief Jeff Kimes said in the statement, "There are continued rumors being circulated regarding the matter that the property owner was involved in criminal activity, including running a meth lab and intentional harm to (the) family."

Kimes said he was providing information "to quell those ongoing rumors that continue to plaque the owner of the affected property. We can confirm that NO criminal activity or intentional injury, for any reason, was the cause of this incident, again, NO criminal activity of any part was attributed to this unfortunate incident."

Six people were reported injured, including four children in the house explosion in the 400 block of Hibernia Road, near Reid Road, at 11:54 a.m. on July 21, according to reports by Chester County Emergency Services. On the day of the fire, official reports said none of the injuries had been life-threatening.

The cause of the explosion and fire has not been released.

"The family continues to deal with the loss of their property, the healing of their injuries, and trying to rebuild what they lost, also while dealing with incorrect and untruthful rumors being circulated. We ask that in the ongoing healing process this family will endure, please correct any rumors that continue to circulate in the community, as the rumors are contributing to additional stress and anxiety on a family that has already lost their home and continue to heal from a tragic incident. Thank you," Kimes said.

Read a previous report on the explosion and fire here.

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