Fact Check: "At least five homes affected by explosion and subsequent collapses in Philadelphia"
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, an explosion occurred in the Nicetown neighborhood of Philadelphia, resulting in significant structural damage. Reports indicate that at least three rowhome buildings partially collapsed due to the explosion, and officials from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections stated that the explosion affected at least seven properties in total, with three experiencing partial collapses (CBS News, The Guardian). The incident resulted in one fatality and injuries to two individuals, one of whom is in critical condition (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that "at least five homes were affected" by the explosion is supported by multiple credible sources. The Philadelphia Fire Department confirmed that the explosion impacted seven properties, with three of them suffering partial collapses (CBS News). This aligns with the assertion that multiple homes were affected, as the term "homes" can encompass the buildings involved in the incident.
While some reports specifically mention three homes that collapsed, the broader context provided by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections indicates that the overall impact was more extensive, affecting a total of seven properties (The Guardian). The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official statements from city officials and fire department representatives, which are typically well-vetted and factual.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that at least five homes were affected by the explosion and subsequent collapses in Philadelphia is accurate, as confirmed by multiple reliable news sources and official statements indicating that seven properties were impacted, with three experiencing partial collapses.
