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A gas explosion in Lancaster Township, Pennsylvania, injured one person and caused significant structural damage to a duplex on Saturday evening (May 30). The explosion occurred around 6:35 p.m. in the 1600 block of Chadwick Circle due to a leaking propane-fueled water heater, according to the Lancaster Township Fire Department.
The explosion, which blew off the rear entry doors and caused significant damage to the structure, left one resident with burn injuries. The individual was in the basement at the time and was transported to a hospital in unknown condition. Firefighters also rescued three cats from the home.
Upon arrival, fire crews found light smoke coming from the front of the two-story duplex. They quickly extinguished a fire in a storage area beneath a staircase, which briefly reignited before the propane supply was secured. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal classified the cause of the explosion as undetermined.
The explosion caused major structural damage, including the separation of an exterior wall and damage extending from the basement to the upper floors. The home was condemned and deemed uninhabitable. An adjoining unit sustained light smoke damage but no structural damage.
The incident highlights the potential dangers of propane leaks and the importance of regular maintenance for gas appliances. Crews cleared the scene by 7:52 p.m.