Allentown, Pa. Building Explosion

Friday, February 11, 2011

A natural gas explosion in eastern Pennsylvania leveled houses, spawned fires that burned for more than seven hours and prompted a massive evacuation. About 750 people were cleared from buildings after the explosion, which happened near the intersection of 13th and Allen Streets in Allentown, Pa., early Thursday morning Feb.10, 2011. At least six people were unaccounted for Thursday.

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Forceful Explosion

A car wash near the site buckled from the force of the explosion. Photo courtesy John Kloss

Eight Homes Destroyed

Eight homes were leveled in the explosion. Photo courtesy John Kloss

Leveled

A whole block was leveled by the explosion. Photo courtesy John Kloss

Battling the Blaze

Allentown firefighters battle a fire after an explosion near the intersection of 13th and Allen Streets in Allentown, Pa., early Thursday morning Feb.10, 2011. Several buildings are involved and at least two people are still unaccounted for. About 750 people, including elderly residents of a high rise, were cleared from the area. Many were taken to the Allentown fairgrounds for temporary refuge. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)