Pocono News Section

House Explodes in Lackawanna County

House Explodes in Lackawanna County - Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 4:05PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Sunday, Dec 2, 2007 @04:05pm EST
(SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Lackawanna County)

Three weeks before the Christmas Holiday, a home explodes in Lackawanna County and the people living there live to tell about it.

WBRE’s Jill Konopka was the first reporter on the scene and has the details. From far away, it looks like your typical house.

Jolene Merritt spoke with WBRE News, "I guess our furnace blew up." But an explosion inside 10-65 Heart Lake Road in Scott Township blew out the back wall of the home.

This is what's left of the bedroom where Brad and Arlene Merritt were sleeping. Jolene Merritt also said, "My parents woke up outside because their bed went out the back wall and my brother heard a loud bang and came running down the steps."

Jolene Merritt is thankful she wasn't here at the time. Jolene Merritt said, "The top windows are mine, my room isn't safe to be in right now."

Patrolman Trevor Peszko can't believe the amount of damage done. Trevor Peszko told WBRE News, "When I pulled up from the front of the house, you really couldn't tell."

Peszko and firefighters from five companies rushed here after Arlene Merritt called 911.

Peszko added,” It was like 6:45 this morning when the call came in as an explosion. No flames were showing but there was structural damage.

Everyone got out safely. I am amazed by that." Well, not exactly everyone. One of the Merritt's six dogs escaped, but Jolene's golden retriever didn't make it.

And butterscotch. “Scotchers I hear you, come on." The family cat can't be found. Jolene stated, "I think it's still shocking for everyone. My Grandpa and Dad built this house together with their bare hands, and nailed everything from floor to roof and put shingles on and everything."

Thankfully, there is a happy ending. Butterscotch finally got out safe and sound. Brad Merritt, "We got him." Police believe the house is a total loss. Officers tell us the State Police Fire Marshall will return Monday morning to pin down an exact cause. In the meantime, the Merritt's can stay with their Grandparents right down the street.