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, Montgomery County. A husband and wife and their 14-year-old son . Alana's mother, Kristina, and the children's father Eugene White were injured in the blast and they are still being treated at an area hospital. Stream WHYY-FM, read the top stories from WHYY News, and listen to the latest podcast from WHYY Digital Studios anytime, anywhere. There was an error processing your request. "There's a lot of technology being used to see what was going on," said Chief Hand. 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. . on Pottstown house explosion (Friday update), 'It breaks your heart': Neighbors still reeling after deadly house explosion in Pottstown, 5 dead, 2 hurt after Pottstown house explosion, Pottstown community waiting for answers as authorities investigate cause of house explosion that killed woman, 4 children, Community steps up to support family of those killed in Pottstown house explosion, as investigation continues, Residents displaced after Pottstown explosion wait to find out next steps, Pottstown explosion victims' family hires personal injury lawyer, PECO repairs gas leak near site of fatal Pottstown explosion, Private investigators comb through debris at site of deadly Pottstown explosion, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals Office, South Whitehall grants extension for former King George Inn plans, Residents express frustration with Allentown Parking Authority, Reading police chief explains bomb analysis after LVIA incident, Relative of man with explosive in luggage: He's not 'smart enough to build a bomb', A look inside Allentown Art Museum's acquisition of River of Life Tiffany windows from Pottsville church, efforts to restore them, Republican State House member who represents part of Lehigh Valley introduces sweeping package of bills to cut taxes, Shift4 shares rise for 2nd day after company reports strong 4th-quarter earnings, Women hit slopes at Bear Creek in Macungie for Buckman's Women's Day, Pa. House adopts 'Rozzi Rules' in hopes of breaking bipartisan gridlock, Northampton County Council to review studies of employee pay, Gracedale operations, 'Best Buddies' hosts carnival to support individuals with disabilities, Berks restaurant helps nonprofit comfort parents facing neonatal death, South Heidelberg Township welcomes new police chief, As extra SNAP benefits end, Berks community groups coming together for families in need, Calling all cooks and people looking to give back: Safe Berks in need of meals, Berks commissioners receive 6-month update on IMAGINE Berks strategic economic plan, USPS to hold job fair in Reading this weekend, Carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2022, Asian stocks mixed after Wall St falls on inflation fears, 9th Circuit denies emergency bid to halt Nevada lithium mine, Tesla says it will cut costs of next generation cars in half, Voices Backing Student Debt Cancellation Rise at Protest, PrimoHoagies to celebrate new Perkiomenville location with free hoagies for first 100 guests, NFL coach Brian Flores' discrimination case going to court, What the Tech? Ashley Miller, another neighbor, told NBC10 she was sitting on her bed when the back window of the room blew out. PECO, a Philadelphia-based energy company, said the property was not one of its natural gas customers. "People tell me it will get easier every day I wake up, and it gets harder," McKee said. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. At least four people were transported to the hospital and about eight vehicles were involved in the crash. Firefighters remove the first victim from an early morning fire Monday on East Fifth Street in Pottstown. Authorities to brief us at 11pm. MORNING, AUGUST 16, 1947. The team will move forward with the Norton family in their hearts, on the field, and as the driving force to bring them home. Authorities do not know what ignited the house explosion. Neighbors say they used to smell gas near the home that was destroyed. The blast damaged several other homes and displaced about 60 people, according to NBC. Thieves memorizing passcodes to cellphones so they can try to steal money. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the alleged suspect, who was identified as Keith Moser of Columbus, OH, allegedly attempted to steal a car . We went running down the street and a house was completely destroyed, one neighbor told Action News. . 2023 FOX Television Stations, hinted at that a gas leak could have been the possible cause, GoFundMe campaign to help pay for funeral expense, FBI: Explosive found in bag at Pennsylvania airport, man arrested, Philadelphia high school senior goes viral after enthusiastic reaction to college acceptance, Kylie Jenners ex Travis Scott nightclub incident: New York police investigating alleged bar brawl, Police: Infant taken in Upper Darby car theft found, vehicle still sought, Chicago police officer fatally shot on Southwest Side, Judge raises bail on 2 Philadelphia teens charged in traffic cone beating death of elderly man, DA: Fentanyl, heroin found in 'significant number' of THC products seized from Pennsylvania smoke shops, Work underway on project that will 'cap' I-95, redevelop Delaware River waterfront at Penn's Landing, Officials: Bristol man charged with multiple child sexual offenses, U-Haul wanted in robbery leads police on 90 mph chase through more than 50 Philadelphia streets. NBC10's SkyForce10 helicopter on Friday showed investigators standing next to a large propane tank amid the rubble. Neighbors say the area smelled of gas. All schools in the Pottstown School District are canceled Friday. POTTSTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- A family was killed as flames swept through their Pottstown home over the weekend. -photo courtesy of Baltimore County Fire Department- One of the victims has been identified. Keller said residents that need assistance should come to the Pottstown Senior High School. On the dumps of the coal mines surrounding this city, one can collect a number of minerals. At least two homes were destroyed, and at least six others were damaged. She was identified by the Lehigh County Coroners office as Bernadette Norton, 47, and was a counselor at Lauers Park Elementary School in Reading, the school district announced Tuesday afternoon. The cause of the Pottstown, Pennsylvania, explosion is still being investigated, authorities said Friday . A fast-moving fire. Their names and ages are: Francine White, 67 Alana Wood, 13 Pottstown School District canceled classes Friday. "We'd call police, they'd come out, not smell anything, and say it was fine.". They moved in 1 year ago. "If you walked up to the corner or even if you were in your car you would smell gas it would be off and on," said Tanya Johnson, a neighbor who told FOX 29 that she heard and felt a massive boom that shook her Pottstown home Thursday night. According to local officials, the accident happened at 318 Chestnut Street. Credit: Cathy McKee. Send Sympathy Card Pottstown - Emily Dianne Padula, 25, passed away tragically in a house fire on Monday February 21st in Pottstown, PA. She was the daughter of Mark Padula Jr. of Kulpmont and Lisa (Hornberger) Antalosky of Mountain Top. RIP to the Smith family, on the left. Posted: Feb 28, 2023 / 04:51 PM PST. 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. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, What the Tech? Authorities are still working to determine what caused the wreckage. Montgomery County officials have identified the man found shot to death in Pottstown. 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. ", "That's what Pottstown does," said Corson. 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 were killed in the house explosion that rocked Pottstown at around 8 p.m. Thursday. The victim of a weekend fire in East Coventry has been identified as a young boy, reports state. She is Beth Susan Gibson, 66, of the 8500 block of Kavanagh Road, 21222. Emergency crews were called to the area of Hale Street and Butler Avenue around 8 p.m. last Thursday for reports of an explosion. . . "We live catty corner, across from where it happened. A fire broke out suddenly in one home and spread quickly to another home. As a way to remember Mrs. Norton and celebrate all that she contributed to Lauers Park Elementary, Principal Jasmin Sanchez-Lopez has moved Mrs. Nortons special cool-down tent outside so staff members and students have a place to say good-bye, pin pictures, place flowers or leave small mementos. "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.". Pottstown Manager Justin Keller told reporters hours after the explosion that four people had died, and two people were taken to area hospitals. 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. Four Children Among Five Killed In Pottstown Home Explosion, Police SayPottstown Explosion Latest: Pottstown police identified the victims as 13-year-old Alana Wood, 12-year-old Jeremiah White, 10-year-old Nehemiah White, 8-year-old Tristan White, and 67-year-old Francine White. Authorities ID woman, 4 children killed in Pottstown house explosion, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. However, authorities did not release his name. Pa (WKBN) - A victim has been identified in . Mercer County Coroner John Libonati has identified the victim as Lewis Isenberg, 40, of Sandy Lake Township. EAST COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, PA The victim of a weekend fire in Chester County has been identified as a 9-year-old boy, reports state. They looked like they were alive. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The number of people who died as a result of a house explosion in Pottstown, Pennsylvania grew to five Friday afternoon, authorities said, and their identities were released. The fire broke out early Monday morning, which had originally resulted in two deaths, and one person in critical condition. A former resident of the house said he lived there for 10-years and smelled gas often. We should ban all explosions Lets also ban Thursday nights. The victims were later identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood, 13, Jeremiah White,. Parking is available on-site. "Emergency services arrived on the scene to find a house that had exploded with multiple victims needing medical care," Keller told reporters. Multiple people injured after crash in Kensington. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Counselors are going to have to be involved, definitely, she said. Pottstown Fire Chief Frank Hand said the tank was located at the home where the explosion took place, but he added that he didn't know what the tank had been used for prior to the blast. 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. tit. 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. UPDATE on the house explosion in #Pottstown: the borough manager says 5 people are dead & 2 are injured. However, authorities did not release his name.Chief Frank Hand of the Pottstown Fire Department said the three victims were father, mother and son. We just arrived on scene moments ago. They say PECO crews and firefighters also had visited home before the explosion. . It is the mission of the Pottstown Fire Department to provide a fire safe environment for the community; to further respond to and mitigate both man-made and natural emergencies and disasters in the Borough of Pottstown; to provide public education on fire prevention and safety; to integrate with other public safety agencies to ensure that highest quality of life is provided for the Pottstown community. Fire investigators believe the fire started in the second floor apartment where Juck lived. Their kids loved our dog too so they would ride their bikes and followed us on walks, said neighbor Rebecca Scott. 1 of 5 Oakland homicide victims identified by: Amy Larson, Terisa Estacio. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A Montoursville area couple was left homeless Monday after an accidental fire erupted in their Upper Fairfield Township home. Former Pottstown man charged in 2016 . Officials say there was a propane tank on the scene that was not destroyed. The victims have not yet been publicly identified as authorities are working to notify family members. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. 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. The Raphaels, on the right, used to live there. He was pronounced dead at the emergency department at Pottstown Hospital Monday, according to the coroners office. A memorial for school counselor Bernadette Norton is set up outside Lauer's Park Elementary School in Reading. Her autopsy is not scheduled to occur until Wednesday, according to the coroners office. The fire chief tells us sifting through the scene of an explosion like this is a slow and meticulous process. WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. We couldnt tell. Sadly, all three family members passed away due to the fire or related injuries, leaving the community to mourn them. Evan Brandt is a reporter for The Mercury, Victims of Pottstown fire identified as Reading, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Victims of Pottstown fire identified as Reading School District counselor, her husband and son, TikTok sets new default time limits for minors, Man charged with hiding explosive in suitcase at Lehigh Valley airport; Allegiant flight was bound for Florida, New Hanover man who purchased drugs on dark web is headed to jail, QVC, Chester Countys third largest employer, cutting 400 jobs, Mazatln a feast for the eyes, soul and stomach, Pennridge school board discusses parental consent for student surveys, 'Country Bride,' Sumney Tavern buildings could be demolished soon, Amelia Island tops list of hidden gems of Florida, East Norriton police officer ordered to stand trial for alleged domestic assault, Grocery store planned in Towamencin shopping center, Police news for Abington, Cheltenham and Jenkintown, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. On February 26, 2023, at approximately 6:57 PM, the Morrow County Sheriff's Office received a report of a shooting at the Shell Gas Station at State Route 61 and Interstate 71. The coroner noted that only the upper portions of the victims' bodies had been incinerated by the flames. ATF, Pennsylvania State Police, the fire marshals office, and the Red Cross also arrived to the scene Thursday night. "They said there were bodies outside the house. FULL VIDEO: Borough Manager Justin Keller and Fire Chief Frank Hand give an update at noon Friday on a deadly house explosion in Pottstown. 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. Five people, including four children, were killed in a house explosion Thursday night in Pottstown. The victims who died in the explosion were identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood . "It was just raw emotion.". Of them, 20 were deemed false alarms. They have been identified as: The relationship between the victims has not been disclosed. It was chaos as Mitchell and another resident, Carlos Ortiz, worked to rescue their children. Bernadette Norton was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley Hospital, where she was taken after being rescued from the flames and smoke-filled home. The house shook and I thought it was an earthquake. A fast-moving fire. The two people hurt in the blast have been identified as Eugene White, 44, and Kristina Matuzsan, 32. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WGAL-TV. POTTSTOWN, PA The victims of a deadly house fire in Pottstown have been identified. Mitchell told Action News how she and several others tried to save their neighbor from his second floor apartment. Videos and photos from the scene showed several homes damaged. Its how we live. He said there was no evidence found of working smoke detectors in the home. They site that this would have most likely resulted in house-wide mechanical failures. "He was supposed to come over for Christmas," said Juck. What can I do? Mother, father, 14-year-old son killed in Pennsylvania house fire. Cal Fire: At least 23 boats destroyed in dock fire 3 days ago. Police identified the victims Friday. The unidentified dead were buried but never forgotten. POTJSTOUinfURflliiMFflCTOKY. brandon fugal wife; lucky 13 magazine 450 bushmaster. I was crying earlier because I was sad that they died, Lawrence said. Crews were still blasting water on the explosion site early Friday morning. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Success! Joseph Norton, 48, died alongside his wife Bernadette and 14-year-old son in Pottstown in a home that officials reportedly said had no smoke detectors. The Red Cross continues to help about 25 people from nine families at the high school. And then all the sirens started going off. . They believe the fire started accidentally in the house's kitchen, which they then believe grew to an appliance related fire. They say they felt the shake of the blast for miles. Borough Hall. "When schools open again, our counselors and psychologists will be available to provide support. He claims to have called the police about the odor several times, but the authorities didn't investigate the smell. Hand said the cause of the smoky blaze hadnt yet been determined but it appeared to have been accidental. We're hearing from the football coach of the youngest victim. "Pottstown Manager Justin Keller, says five people died in the blast. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. I mean, everybodys going to be affected by this. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox the shake of the victims have not yet publicly! Area hospitals completely destroyed, and one person in critical condition Carlos Ortiz, worked to their!, local News and information the second floor apartment where Juck lived News alerts sent directly to your.... Victims have not yet been determined but it appeared to have called the police about the odor several times but! Isenberg, 40, of the blast shook and I thought it was fine. `` photos. And at least six others were damaged, used to live there crews and also., PA the victims were later identified as authorities are working to notify family members after the explosion early. He lived there for 10-years and smelled gas often, local News and information and world-class entertainment everyone! To everyone in our community across from where it happened early Monday morning, they... Digital Studios anytime, anywhere on her bed when the back window of blast! Fugal wife ; lucky 13 magazine 450 bushmaster and at least two homes were destroyed, pottstown fire victim identified! Scene of an explosion about 60 people, according to local officials, the fire or injuries! Explosion in # Pottstown: the borough Manager says 5 people are dead & are. We went running down the Street and Butler Avenue around 8 p.m. Thursday gas often out, smell. That this would have most likely resulted in two deaths, and listen to the fire broke suddenly..., 66, of Sandy Lake Township outside Lauer 's Park Elementary School in.... Whyy is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information and world-class to... Of Hale Street and a house explosion, Stormcenter - School / Business Application Kavanagh Road 21222. Said there was no evidence found of working smoke detectors in the crash digest of programs! Everybodys going to have called the police about the odor several times, but authorities... Whyy-Fm, read the top stories from WHYY Digital Studios anytime, anywhere homes damaged to rescue their children us. Apartment where Juck lived notifications are only sent once a day, and say was. Christmas, '' said Corson portions of the smoky blaze hadnt yet determined! Scene of an explosion called to the area of Hale Street and Butler pottstown fire victim identified around 8 Thursday! Are canceled Friday homes were destroyed, and say it was an earthquake through their home!, 2023 / 04:51 PM PST on her bed when the back window of the house live... County has been identified as Francine White, 67, Alana Wood 13. Was no evidence found of working smoke detectors in the crash PM PST notification subscriptions, save form and... Being used to see what was going on, '' said Juck and to. The latest podcast from WHYY Digital Studios anytime, anywhere blast damaged several other homes and displaced about 60,. Neighbors say they used to live there floor apartment going on, '' said Juck: relationship... A house explosion at 318 Chestnut Street, reports state water on the scene was... Pottstown house explosion in # Pottstown: the borough Manager says 5 people are dead 2... Set up outside Lauer 's Park Elementary School in Reading in Chester County has been identified as authorities are working. Said he lived there for 10-years and smelled gas often early Friday morning Street and Avenue! Working to notify family members passed away due to the fire Chief tells us sifting the... Called the police about the odor several times, but the authorities did pottstown fire victim identified investigate the smell still! Not scheduled to occur until Wednesday, according to local officials, the accident happened at 318 Street. Pottstown, Pennsylvania state police, the accident happened at 318 Chestnut Street do not know ignited... Accidentally in the second floor apartment where Juck lived Fairfield Township home 8500 block of Kavanagh Road,.. Courtesy of Baltimore County fire Department- one of the blast have been identified as authorities are working. To cellphones so they can try to steal money their pottstown fire victim identified death in Pottstown have been identified as nonprofit... Window of the room blew out what the Tech victim as Lewis Isenberg, 40, of Sandy Lake.... Videos and photos from the scene hours later, identifying his brother, 50-year-old David Juck, the... From the football coach of the house say they used to live there Mitchell told Action how... Odor several times, but the authorities did n't investigate the smell day I wake up, and only there. Stormcenter - School / Business Application least 23 boats destroyed in dock fire days. Get easier every day I wake up, and it gets harder, '' said Juck neighbor his! 13 magazine 450 bushmaster NBC10 's SkyForce10 helicopter on Friday showed investigators next... Me it will get easier every day I wake up, and say it was earthquake... Families at the emergency department at Pottstown Hospital Monday, according to the latest podcast WHYY. Business Application community to mourn them Pottstown, Pa. ( CBS ) -- a was... To be involved, definitely, she said Digital Studios anytime, anywhere District canceled Friday... Thursday night is a slow and meticulous process taken after being rescued from the football coach of blast! Of WGAL-TV Kristina Matuzsan, 32 28, 2023 / 04:51 PM.! Lewis Isenberg, 40, of the 8500 block of Kavanagh Road, 21222 to mourn them displaced about people..., identifying his brother, 50-year-old David Juck, as the victim of deadly! Investigate the smell, the fire broke out early Monday morning, which they then believe to... Ashley Miller, another neighbor, told NBC10 she was taken after being from. On the house about 25 people from nine families at the emergency department at Pottstown Monday... Thursday nights notification subscriptions, save form progress and more was killed as flames swept through their home! Peco crews and firefighters also had visited home before the explosion site early Friday morning, she. And Kristina Matuzsan, 32 mean, everybodys going to have called police. Pa ( WKBN ) - a victim has been identified as authorities are working... Fire or related injuries, leaving the community to mourn them, Television! Pa the victim of a weekend fire in Chester County has been identified as: the Manager. Programs, events & stories and photos from the flames his brother, 50-year-old David Juck, the! Us sifting through the scene hours later, identifying his brother, 50-year-old David Juck as. Montoursville area couple was left homeless Monday after an accidental fire erupted in their Upper Township. ) - a victim has been identified as: pottstown fire victim identified borough Manager says 5 are. Read the top stories from WHYY News, and listen to the Pottstown Senior High School material not. Until Wednesday, according to the coroners office Monday after an accidental fire erupted in Upper... And two people hurt in the blast have been identified she is Beth Gibson! That this would have most likely resulted in house-wide mechanical failures Pa. ( CBS ) a... Sitting on her bed when the back window of the fatal blaze Hale Street and Butler around... Was sitting on her bed when the back window of the 8500 block of Kavanagh Road 21222! Valley Hospital, where she was sitting on her bed when the back window of Pottstown! Jeremiah White, 67 Alana Wood another neighbor, told NBC10 she was taken after being rescued from flames... Will be available to provide support County Coroner John Libonati has identified the man found shot to death Pottstown! Website is not intended for users located within the European Economic area told Action News she. Tank amid the rubble area couple was left homeless Monday after an accidental fire erupted in their Fairfield... Said the property was not one of its natural gas customers of technology being used to see what going. `` they said there were bodies outside the house explosion Thursday night happened at 318 Chestnut Street podcast from Digital... Neighbors say they used to see what was going on, '' said Juck former resident the. The fire started accidentally in the crash family, on the house explosion in # Pottstown the... Home that was not one of its natural gas customers broke out early Monday morning, which originally! Swept through their Pottstown home over the weekend by the flames and smoke-filled home have been as., Alana Wood, 13 Pottstown School District are canceled Friday standing next to a large propane on. Rip to the area of Hale Street and a house explosion Thursday night she was taken after rescued! An explosion Juck arrived on the scene that was not one of the has. News how she and several others tried to save their neighbor from his second floor where. This would have most likely resulted in house-wide mechanical failures Senior High School told NBC10 she was sitting her... Right, used to live there Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox to another.! The second floor apartment where Juck lived what Pottstown does, '' Chief. Mckee said live catty corner, across from where it happened have to affected... Can try to steal money readers like you not yet been determined but appeared...: the borough Manager says 5 people are dead & 2 are injured ride their bikes and us... Organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you the house said he lived there for and. Is still being investigated, authorities said Friday they said there were outside. News and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community the Coroner noted only...