Boy, 4, Among 2 Killed In PA House Explosion

YORK COUNTY, PA — A 4-year-old boy and a 79-year-old man were killed in a house explosion Monday morning in York County, according to authorities.

The York County Coroner's Office said they were dispatched to a house fire at 2453 West Manheim Twp. shortly before 11:45 a.m. Authorities found the man dead inside the home, according to the coroner's office.

After responding to the fire, authorities were notified about a second fatality related to the fire. According to the coroner's office, the boy had been taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 12:30 p.m.

According to the coroner's report, the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal determined the fire was caused by careless smoking. Authorities said the wheelchair-bound man had been smoking in a closed garage while on oxygen, which caused the oxygen tank to explode.

Authorities said there were others inside the home at the time of the explosion. They were treated at a hospital, but their conditions were not reported.

The next of kin have been notified, the coroner’s office said.

West Manheim Township police and the fire marshal are investigating.