UPDATED INFORMATION:
May 31, 2022
The Pottstown Borough Licensing and Inspections Department, along with the fire department, will be in the affected area tomorrow, June 1, 2022, beginning at 8:30am. (Please see the map below for the affected area). They will be assessing the structural integrity of your residence and documenting any issues found.
If you are not available to meet with them tomorrow, please contact the Licensing and Inspections Department to set-up an appointment. They can be reached from 7:30am-4pm at lniadmin@pottstown.org or via phone at (610) 970-6520.
We are concentrating on the immediate area surrounding the site. Once these properties have been inspected, the area will be expanded outward. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process, contact Licensing and Inspections during regular business hours. All inquiries must include contact name, property address, and contact information in order to prioritize the expansion area.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we work with all the agencies involved in this incident.
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.