Married Couple Killed In South Jersey House Explosion: Prosecutor

A husband who worked at a local mortuary and his wife who taught Catholic school children were killed in a house explosion that occurred in South Jersey over the weekend, authorities announced.

John Paladino, 73, and his wife, 72-year-old Carole Paladino, were the only people in the house when it exploded in the Borough of Newfield early Saturday morning, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

The cause of the explosion, which happened at about 6:15 a.m. on the 300 block of Oakwood Drive in Newfield, remains under investigation by the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and the county Fire Marshal's Office. They have said no foul play is suspected.

Neighbors told 6 ABC that the couple just had new appliances installed the day before the explosion, including a gas stove. The house was destroyed by the blast, which could be felt for blocks. Four other homes were damaged as a result of the explosion.

Video below shows the aftermath of the explosion, which obliterated the home.

Carole Paladino graduated from Vineland High School, and went on to work as a nurse at Millville High School, according to nj.com. She also taught religion at a catholic school. John Paladino was a part-time employee at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home in Vineland.

Paul Vidal, 10, told the Philadelphia Inquirer he looked up to John Paladino. “He was so nice,” the child told the newspaper. “If you got hurt, he would help you.”

They lived in the home for decades and raised their children there. They were set to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, according to Fox News.

Fire companies responding to the explosion and fire were Star Cross, Malaga, Forest Grove, Newfield, Franklinville, Vineland Stations 3 & 4, Willow Grove, Minatola and Collins Lake.

Read more here: 2 Die In South Jersey House Explosion: Prosecutor

Image via YouTube video