Philadelphia explosion levels homes, leaving 1 dead and 2 injured in Nicetown

This story originally appeared on 6abc.

Neighbors along West Bristol Street were woken up by a loud noise just before 5 a.m. Sunday. The next thing they knew, several homes were on fire and collapsed to the ground.

What neighbors reported as an explosion requires an extensive cleanup effort.

The scene that unfolded is taking an emotional toll as the community deals with death and destruction.

“It was horrific,” said Stacy Oglesby.

The early morning blast left this block in Nicetown in ruins after three homes were destroyed.

Residents say one look is enough to understand the scale of devastation left behind.

“Noticed there was glass everywhere,” said Oglesby.

A mountain of debris is what remains in the 1900 block of West Bristol Street after fire crews rushed to the scene.

“A big boom, I figured it was one of the transformers that blew,” said Michael Corbin.

Two women pulled from the rubble were taken to the hospital with injuries.

During another search, a search-and-rescue dog detected the body of a third woman who had died.

One of the injured victims is a city employee.

“A longtime member of the Philadelphia city council president’s office. She has served through many council presidents. She is beloved,” said Vincent Thompson, a spokesperson for Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson.

Neighbors nearby were evacuated and taken to Edward Steele School, which is being used as a shelter.

“It is a great spot for them to also get adequate resources,” said Assistant Fire Chief Charles Walker.

In the meantime, residents are trying to clean up.

“All my windows busted out,” said Oglesby

Michelle Noland walked us through what’s left of her home.

“Glass breaking, doors flying open,” said Noland.

The blast left more than debris. Healing from the wreckage and the pain will take time.

“I’m thankful for me and my family, but I’m sad for the other family members,” said Oglesby.

The Philadelphia Fire Marshal remains on scene working to determine how this happened.

The ATF task force was at the scene on Sunday and plans to return Monday with more equipment to comb through the scene.