Product News and Recalls

8 Reported Hurt in Explosion of South Philadelphia Row Home

Nearly 2 months after the deadly building collapse at 22nd and Market, an explosion in South Philadelphia has left 8 injured while destroying 3 row homes.

According to an NBC report, police said an explosion was reported shortly after 11 a.m. on July 29, 2013 in the 400 block of Daly Street in the Whitman neighborhood of South Philadelphia. As a result of the explosion, the houses on either side of the destroyed home are badly damaged, with huge sections of masonry walls now missing. Additionally, a total of 25 people needed to be evacuated from the immediate area.

Early reports indicate that the explosion was a result of a gas leak that may or may not be attributable to a contractor who was working on a water heater inside the home when the explosion occurred. The contractor was rushed to the University of Pennsylvania for treatment but will be transferred to Temple University’s burn unit as he is critically injured with burns over 22% of his body.

According to the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I), four permits were issued for work on the home with L&I making 14 inspections before those permits were “finaled” last Friday. Investigations are still ongoing at this time but thankfully there are no reported causalities in this collapse.

If you or someone you know was injured in the Philadelphia row home collapse in the 400 block of Daly Street, contact Lopez McHugh for a free consultation. We have a proven track record in the construction injury arena and experience dealing with contractors, subcontractors, and the wide variety of ways that construction companies attempt to turn a profit while attempting to avoid liability.