Fact Check: "At least five row homes affected by the explosion's aftermath."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, a massive explosion occurred in Philadelphia, resulting in the complete leveling of three row houses and causing significant damage to additional homes in the vicinity. Philadelphia Fire Department Acting Chief Daniel McCarty confirmed that at least five row homes were affected by the explosion's aftermath, which included a fire that ignited following the blast. The explosion, which happened around 4:30 a.m., resulted in one fatality and injuries to two elderly women, one of whom was in critical condition while the other was stable (source-2, source-4).
The explosion's epicenter was identified as one of the row houses, which was deemed the source of the primary explosion, while the other two homes experienced secondary collapses (source-2). In addition to the row houses, multiple other homes in the surrounding area sustained damage, including broken windows and structural issues (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that "at least five row homes were affected by the explosion's aftermath" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. Chief McCarty's statement regarding the number of affected homes is a primary source of information, and it is corroborated by reports from various news outlets, including the New York Post and ABC News (source-2, source-4).
The reliability of these sources is high, given that they are established news organizations reporting on a significant incident with direct quotes from fire department officials. Furthermore, the involvement of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the investigation adds an additional layer of credibility to the reports, as federal agencies typically engage in such investigations for serious incidents like explosions (source-4).
While the initial reports focused on the three row houses that collapsed, the acknowledgment of at least five homes being affected suggests that the impact of the explosion extended beyond the immediate destruction, affecting the structural integrity of nearby residences as well (source-6).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "at least five row homes were affected by the explosion's aftermath" is accurate based on statements from fire officials and corroborating reports from multiple reliable news sources. The evidence clearly indicates that the explosion not only leveled three homes but also caused damage to additional residences, supporting the assertion made in the claim.
