2 Hurt In Beaver House Explosion

Two people are recovering at the hospital and dozens of people are evacuated after a house explosion in Beaver County.

The home in the 1200 block of Solar Drive in Harmony Township exploded around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The blast rocked a 2 and a half story house.

Two of the four people inside were rushed to the hospital, including a 44-year-old man who lives there.

He was flown to Mercy Hospital in critical condition after suffering burns to over 40 percent of his body.

Following the explosion, neighbors were evacuated as a precaution.

Glen Copenhager said, "I heard someone on the side of the house. I went up to the front door he told me to get out. The house across the street exploded."

So far, an official cause has not been determined.

However, fire officials said a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation subcontractor punctured a gas main while installing a guide rail earlier in the day.

Two recent house explosions have rocked the area recently.

Last month, a blast tore through a home along Tuxey Avenue in Brentwood.

Investigators said a 39-year-old man who lived there deliberately blew up the home, so he could make a movie of it. He was hurt, and now faces criminal charges.

Last November, a natural gas explosion leveled or damaged seven homes in East New Castle in Lawrence County.

The blast also injured three people, including homeowner Patrick Henry. Police said Henry triggered the explosion in a suicide attempt.

Previous Stories: August 22, 2007: House Explodes In Harmony Township