In the five days since an explosion destroyed at least three houses in Port Richmond, neighbors have been working night and day to take care of themselves and each other. But they want answers, too.
During a community meeting Wednesday night at the Columbia Social Club, officials from the city and local utility companies met with residents. Neighbors arranged the meeting hoping to get questions answered and represent the wishes and needs of the people on Miller Street affected by the New Year’s Day explosion.
Authorities announced that while a gas leak is the suspected cause, officials still have not been able to locate the source of the leak. And, another row home heavily damaged by the explosion was condemned, bringing the total to three destroyed homes.
“I can’t talk about the investigation because it’s not over,” said Philadelphia Fire Deputy Chief Dennis Morrigan. “I can’t give you any details of the investigation except that we can say there is no evidence of any illegal activity at this site.”
Melanie McCottry, a spokesperson for Philadelphia Gas Works, said crews have been conducting leak detection surveys underground around the explosion site. She said they have not found any leaks in the natural gas mains or service pipes of the two homes that were destroyed. PGW crews are waiting for access to the condemned house to do a similar inspection.
Brian McQuoid lives a few doors down from the homes that were destroyed. He can go there to get things he needs, but at this point, he’s not allowed to stay long.
“It’s still devastating,” he said, “not knowing if your house is going to get condemned.”
“No one knows what is going on,” said Ken Paul, who organized the meeting. “No one has an answer as to what happened. Where do we go from here? And what is going to be done?”
Paul invited many city officials to Wednesday’s meeting. Neighbours may not need help from state representatives just yet, he said, “but down the line, they might have to be part of it.”
Residents still have questions that, so far, no one has answers for, said Paul: “I know it’s still early on in the investigation. People are confused as, do I deal with my homeowners [insurance]? Do I go after the gas company? Is the city responsible? What about my car? Do I deal with my car insurance?”
