Explosion Destroys House In Upper Bucks County

HILLTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — A major explosion Monday morning destroyed a single-family home in Hilltown Township and injured a contractor who was at the house when the blast occurred.

The explosion happened around 9 a.m. in the 100 block of Highview Road. Photographs posted by emergency responders show nothing but debris in the aftermath of the blast.

Fire officials said a contractor, who was working at the house, suffered burns from the blast and was transported to the hospital by Chalfont-New Britain EMS. The owners of the house have been out of town while the building was being renovated.

Emergency crews were called to the scene just before 9 a.m. for what appeared to be a massive explosion.

Debris is all that's left of the house on Highview Road. (Silverdale Fire Company)

Debris is all that's left of the house on Highview Road. (Silverdale Fire Company)

Upon arrival, Chief 59 (Silverdale) confirmed the residence had been completely leveled, with debris scattered across the property and in neighboring yards. The chief requested a working fire dispatch, bringing additional personnel and apparatus to the scene while crews assessed the hazards and made sure the scene was stabilized.

"This incident showcased an outstanding collaborative effort among local, township, state, and federal agencies," the Silverdale Fire Company posted. "We would like to thank all of our mutual aid partners for their professionalism and teamwork."

Silverdale Station 59 was assisted at the scene by Dublin Fire Company, Sellersville Volunteer Fire Company, Chalfont Fire Company, Hilltown Township Fire Company, Telford and Souderton.

Also on the scene were the Hilltown Township Police Department and Chal-Brit Regional EMS.

The explosion was reportedly heard as far away as Skippack, Montgomery County.

"Anyone just hear that enormous house-shaking explosion just now around 9 a.m. in Hilltown near Diamond and Rickert?" wrote Nancy on Facebook. "WOW. Fire trucks from both north and south, and now ambulances!!!"

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion. Utility crews have also been called to the scene.