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Utility Crews Still Working To Restore Power After House Explosion

DUNMORE — Utility crews were still on the scene of a deadly natural gas explosion more than 18 hours after it happened. Investigators say an 86-year-old w...
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DUNMORE -- Utility crews were still on the scene of a deadly natural gas explosion more than 18 hours after it happened.

Investigators say an 86-year-old woman was killed when her house went up in flames after a water main break led to the discovery of a gas leak in Dunmore.

UGI crews worked into the night Thursday, trying to restore power to a Dunmore neighborhood after a natural gas leak turned a home into an inferno.

Dunmore police responded to Smith Street for a water main break when they smelled gas.

Officers began evacuating homes in the area. One of the residents forced out was 86-year-old Madlyn Cecca, who was standing on the porch of that house waiting to be picked up by a neighbor when it exploded.

Many people here say Mecca was well-known and well-liked.

“Madlyn was a nice girl,” said Ralph Delrosso. “I`ve lived here all my life. She`s lived here all her life. I`ve known her quite a while.”

“She used to walk around here all the time. I know she was a little old, but she was in very good shape, very nice lady, too. She used sit on her porch, talking about her recipes,” said Tony Longo.

The explosion and fire reduced the house to rubble and the blast damaged surrounding houses.

State police believe the gas followed the water and sewer line into that home and say any number of ignition sources could have sparked the explosion.

As for the displaced residents, they were taken to the Dunmore Community Center where the American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter.

For those able to be their homes, UGI had free space heaters for them.

“Right now we are focusing on restoration efforts. We're walking around checking for residual levels and as long as the levels go to zero we'll work with the electric company to get the electricity back on. Then people that have gas heat, the gas will not be restored yet. We'll have electric heaters provided for them to keep their house from freezing,” said UGI spokesperson Don Brominiski.

“I just got one because they said they don`t know when it`s going to be turned on. They said that this afternoon and I was wondering about the heater and the house was down to 55,” said Longo.

“We`ve been alright, but I could use something for my pipes. I`m just worried about my pipes,” said Delrosso.

Crews will continue working through the night. UGI said it does not expect service to be completely restored until during the day on Friday.

State police say it's not clear what caused the water main break or the gas leak.

Both are being looked into.

 

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