Home Demolished In Gloucester County Explosion
By Steve Beck, Michelle Durham, Diana Rocco
WESTVILLE, N.J. (CBS) – A Gloucester County home was demolished following an explosion Friday afternoon.
The explosion happened at about 1:15 p.m. in the 200 block of Chestnut Street in Westville, New Jersey. The spokesperson for the Gloucester County prosecutor's office Bernie Weisenfeld says authorities are investigating the incident as a natural gas leak explosion.
"The explosion completely imploded the house. The fire is out, but it is still smoldering. They are not yet certain whether anyone was in the house. They don't believe so, but they haven't been able to get in there and won't for a number of hours," Weisenfeld explained.
PHOTOS: From The Scene
It was initially reported that a man was seen running from the home after the explosion, but it was later determined that person was a neighbor and a member of a local fire company and not a suspect, according to police.
The house, which has been unoccupied for two years, was recently placed on the market for sale, by the owner who reported that metal piping had been taken from it a few days prior to the explosion.
The fire was extinguished at about 2:30 p.m. and Public Service Electric and Gas was called to turn off service to the house.
Officials say it will take several hours can get a close look at the house.
Chopper 3 HD was over the scene shortly after the explosion that completely leveled the home.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit at 856-384-550.
