Horror as Pottstown house explosion in Pennsylvania kills 4 kids and one adult after residents smelled gas for MONTHS

FOUR of the five people who died as a result of a house explosion Thursday night have now been confirmed to be children, officials say.

Pottstown Borough Manager Justin Keller confirmed the news on Friday after the explosion sent debris flying in a neighborhood in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

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Two people have died and others remain trapped under the rubble[/caption]

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Debris lines the streets of Pottstown as first responders tend to the scene[/caption]

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A number of homes have been destroyed in the explosion, according to reports[/caption]

Pottstown Police identified the victims as Francine White, 67; Alana Wood, 13; Jeremiah White, 12; Nehemiah White, and Tristan White, 8.

Two people remain at area trauma centers. Police identified those victims as Eugene White, 44, and Kristina Matuzsan, 32.

“One is in critical, but stable, condition. The other is currently in surgery for unknown injuries,” Keller said.

The explosion was reported right around 8.30pm at 453 Hale Street on May 26. There are also reports that a fire erupted after the explosion.

Officials confirmed Friday that two homes have been destroyed and multiple others are being evaluated.

Multiple reports indicate that neighbors complained of a natural gas smell in the neighborhood for months leading up to the explosion.

Photos from the scene show cops roping off areas around downed poles and wires. Cars in the neighborhood have sustained damage as well, according to local reporter Evan Brandt.

Brandt shared a number of photos and videos from the devastating scene on Twitter, saying residents and first responders are “stunned.”

Neighbors in the area report hearing a loud bang, according to a local NBC affiliate.

Reports indicate that some residents on the street and in the area are being treated for shock following the explosion.

Any Pottstown residents affected or displaced by the explosion should go to Pottstown High School for assistance. Temporary housing is being set up for those displaced by the blast.

Pottstown schools Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez announced that all schools in the district will be closed Friday as a result of the explosion.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families,” Rodriguez wrote.

“When schools open again, our counselors and psychologists will be available to provide support.”

Pottstown is located in Montgomery County, about 40 miles northwest of Philadelphia.