Fire Leading to Explosion in Pennsylvania was Intentional

Authorities in northeastern Pennsylvania say the fire that caused a house to explode was intentionally set.

Exeter Police Chief John McNeil says he believes the explosion that critically injured one occupant was “deliberate.” He says a criminal investigation is under way and that a suspect has been identified.

The explosion leveled one home and damaged several other buildings throughout the Luzerne County neighborhood around 2 p.m. Saturday.

McNeil says one man was inside the home’s garage when the house exploded and two girls outside the home were also hurt. All three were hospitalized.

State and county emergency management agencies will be assessing the damage to determine eligibility for low-interest loan programs to help with recovery.