Pocono News Section

Investigation Continues into Exeter Explosion

Investigation Continues into Exeter Explosion - Sunday, August 2, 2009 at 6:55PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Sunday, Aug 2, 2009 @ 06:55pm EST
EXETER, LUZERNE COUNTY- Police are searching for answers in an Exeter explosion. On Saturday David Lamoreaux's Penn Avenue home blew up, leaving plenty of damage in its wake.

People living around what's left Lamoreaux's home are counting their blessings. Betty Tocheny said, "My guardian angel must have been watching over me. Thank god nobody, none of us got hurt."

Tocheny's windows are boarded up across the street from the rubble.

Lamoreaux was taken away by stretcher after his home exploded. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital but no information was available on his condition Sunday.

The explosion is considered a criminal investigation. No arrests have been made.

Pointing out new cracks in the wall, Tocheny's daughter Debbie explained the sheer power of the blast. "It pushed her wall in upstairs in her bedroom and pushed it back so her wall came out upstairs in the bedroom about two inches," said Debbie.

Pat Lazza lives a few houses away. The blast may have moved his home off it's foundation. "There's kids all around this neighborhood all the time, you know, somebody could have been really seriously hurt. Thank god nothing happened like that," said Lazza.

Neighboring JFK Elementary was damaged. Windows are destroyed and a school official says there's ceiling damage as well.

Two neighboring homes are condemned after taking on damage in this unexpected explosion. Luzerne County's Emergency Management Agency will tour the Exeter neighborhood Tuesday. It will help determine if many damaged homes will be eligible for a small interest loan.

A public meeting will be held directly after that assessment. It will take place at the Exeter Borough ambulance building, 1091 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter from 2pm until 7pm on Tuesday.