FILE - Police tape cordons off the scene of a crime in Levittown, Pa., Saturday, March 16, 2024. Police departments reported a year-over-year increase in sworn officers in 2023 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began and since the 2020 police killing of George Floyd spurred nationwide protests and increased scrutiny of police, according to a survey released by the Police Executive Research Forum. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE - Police tape cordons off the scene of a crime in Levittown, Pa., Saturday, March 16, 2024. Police departments reported a year-over-year increase in sworn officers in 2023 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began and since the 2020 police killing of George Floyd spurred nationwide protests and increased scrutiny of police, according to a survey released by the Police Executive Research Forum. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Emergency crews responded to a house explosion Wednesday morning in Perry County that left the area covered in debris and closed roads.
The Pennsylvania State Police said it dispatched members of the Newport Barracks to the 100 block of Juniata Parkway East in Howe Township around 5:30 a.m. State police Public Information Officer Megan Frazer said in a statement Wednesday at about 12:30 p.m. that state police were “currently on scene for a death investigation.” She said there is no threat to the public.
At about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Frazer said in a statement that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was cleaning up the debris, and the nearby portion of the railway should open when they are done.
WGAL reported the victim was identified as 81-year-old Roy Daniels, who was the only occupant of the home.
The road is currently closed in both directions between Shortcut and Gypsy Hollow roads.
PSP is investigating the explosion’s cause.
Perry County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene, according to WGAL. PennLive reports one person is dead. Authorities have not said if anyone was inside the home during the explosion.
Neighbors on Facebook reported hearing and feeling the blast from miles away.
This story will be updated.
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