Borough Of Pottstown: House Explosion Hale Street & Butler Avenue

Pottstown PA

30 May, 2022

2:56 PM

Description

Press release from the Borough of Pottstown: May 26, 2022 UPDATED INFORMATION: On Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 8:07 pm, Pottstown Fire Department, EMS, and Police were dispatched to the area of Hale Street and Butler Avenue for a house explosion. Emergency services arrived on scene to find a house had exploded with multiple victims needing medical care. At our 11pm briefing, four fatalities were confirmed. Unfortunately, this afternoon that number has increased to five. An additional two victims are receiving treatment at a regional trauma center. One is in critical, but stable condition. The other is currently in surgery for unknown injuries. We had also reported that two people may have been unaccounted for. However, based on the preliminary information from the investigation, we now believe that everyone has been accounted for. We ask that you respect the victims and families during this difficult time and give them the space they need. We are unable to provide additional information on the victims, as the family notification process is still ongoing. Additional information will be provided by the Police Department and the Coroner's Office once it becomes available. Representatives from Pottstown Police, Fire Department, and EMS, as well as Philadelphia Arson and Explosive Team, and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal's Office have been working throughout the night and this morning to determine the cause and origin of the explosion. The investigation is ongoing and we do not have any additional details to provide at this time. The lead agency for this investigation is the Pottstown Police Department and they will provide updates when available. This is still an active emergency scene with numerous life safety hazards. We would ask that all members of the community avoid the area so that the investigators can continue their work. Red Cross representatives are at the Pottstown Senior High School, at 750 N. Washington Street to assist displaced residents. We have received an overwhelming response from organizations and individuals looking to help. At this point, we do not need any further assistance with displaced families or help otherwise. Thank you for your support, prayers for victims and families, and offers to assist. All further information will be disseminated by press release. This press release was produced by the Borough of Pottstown. The views expressed here are the author's own.