Homemade fireworks caused Butler County house explosion, injuring 2, police say
Pennsylvania State Police say homemade fireworks and improvised explosive devices caused a house explosion that injured two people Wednesday afternoon in Butler County, one critically.
The explosion was reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. in Muddy Creek Township.
Police said a 48-year-old man, whom they described as a suspect in the incident, was in critical condition, while a woman who also was injured at the scene reported on her own for treatment at a hospital.
Multiple explosions and a fire were reported at the home in the 200 block of Sawyer Road, according to a Harmony Fire District Facebook post.
It also was reported that a man had suffered severe burn injuries to both hands. According to the post, the man was taken by helicopter for treatment at a trauma center.
Fire officials said, “Crews were met with a small amount of fire, which they quickly extinguished.”
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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