Natural Gas Caused South Jersey House Explosion, Officials Say

NEWFIELD, NJ — A house explosion that killed a married couple in South Jersey was caused by natural gas, according to the Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office. However, the exact cause of the explosion has not been determined, and it will likely be several months before they reach their final conclusion, the fire marshal said on Tuesday.

Foul play is not suspected in the deaths of John Paladino, 73, and his wife, 72-year-old Carole Paladino. They 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.

Although the cause has not yet been determined, 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.

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
Married Couple Killed In South Jersey House Explosion: Prosecutor

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