Gas Explosion Injures Pennsylvania Firefighters

Two city firefighters were taken to the hospital after a gas explosion at a Lancaster city home Wednesday night.

Both were treated for first-degree burns to their head and face and then released. One returned to the fire scene while the other went home, according to Battalion Chief Jeffrey Oatman.

He declined to release their names.

A city fire marshal is investigating the incident after an apparent bullet hole was discovered in the gas meter, Oatman said.

UGI officials took possession of the meter which will be examined.

Fire crews were dispatched to 56 S. Franklin St. around 6:10 p.m. after a resident of the two-unit apartment building called 911 and said she “heard a bang,” then detected a heavy odor of gas, Oatman said.

The residents of the building were told to evacuate.

Upon arrival, firefighters went to the basement of the building, where they discovered a heavy gas smell and active leak.

As they attempted to turn off the gas, an explosion rocked the building, according to Oatman.

The firefighters were knocked to the ground but were then able to exit on their own, he said.

The blast blew out the first-floor windows of the structure and created a fireball, which traveled up to the first story through a hole in the floor.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

Three adults and two children who live in the building were displaced by the fire and were being assisted by the American Red Cross Wednesday night.

Damage to the structure was set at $5,000, according to Oatman.

Two dogs that were in the building were unharmed.

Firefighters attempted to rescue the animals but backed off when the dogs showed aggression, Oatman said. When it was safe, police escorted the residents back inside to get their pets.

According to county real estate records, the building is owned by Brian Nelson.