PECO crews were out in Yeadon Sunday after a toppled tree took down power lines and may have led to an explosion and gas leak that forced an evacuation of a senior facility. Everyone is back in their homes now and the Red Cross is assisting four families, officials say. PECO is working to return service to everyone in the area by Sunday night.
A downed tree likely caused a gas explosion and fire that led to the evacuation of more than 100 people from homes and apartments in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, including a senior living facility, investigators said.
Firefighters first responded to downed trees on wires along West Providence Road around 9:15 a.m. Saturday, as remnants from the coastal storm Ophelia brought heavy wind and rain to the region.
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While responding, firefighters discovered a gas leak in the area. More than 100 people were then evacuated from nearby homes and apartments, including an assisted living facility for the elderly and people with special needs.
Then, shortly after 1 p.m., one of the impacted homes exploded after a tree fell near a gas line, sparking a two-alarm fire, according to investigators. Officials said six homes in all were damaged during the fire and explosion, with two structures experiencing significant damage.
“While a downed tree brought down electric wires during yesterday’s storm, an exact cause of the gas incident has not yet been determined,” a spokesperson for PECO said.
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Several nearby residential customers remain without service as PECO continues to repair damaged equipment in the area, a spokesperson for PECO shared. They also said that they plan to be able to restore service for most of the affected customers by Sunday evening.
Firefighters were eventually able to control the fire and contain the gas leak. No injuries were reported and the evacuated residents were taken to nearby schools.
West Providence Road, which was also damaged during the fire and explosion, will remain closed through the night as crews work to restore power to the impacted homes and buildings, officials said.
Multiple fire departments from Delaware and Montgomery counties responded to the scene. PECO and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) are also investigating the incident.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
