Man arrested for copper theft that led to Wissinoming explosion

Police have arrested a man for stealing copper wires from a home, allegedly resulting in the property’s explosion and collapse.

The vacant house at 4716 Howell St. in Wissinoming collapsed after Saturday’s explosion, which officials told NBC10 was the result of a natural gas leak brought on by the missing wires. Residents nearby were ushered out of their homes for two hours, and PGW shut off the gas.

Michael Migliaccio, AKA Joseph Rumor, was seen leaving the house before it collapse. Migliaccio, of the 4800-block of Van Kirk Street, is charged with causing/risking a catastrophe, burglary, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, theft, unlawful taking and other crimes, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office.. Bail was set at $200,000 for the 35-year-old.