DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — A Susquehanna Township family lost their home in a gas explosion last week, just minutes after they were warned to evacuate.
The explosion was caught on a neighbor's Ring doorbell camera:
FOX43 spoke to two neighbors who were in their homes when the explosion happened.
“It just sounded like there was a bomb exploding in the neighborhood. We were like, ‘Yikes, what was that?’ That’s just not a normal sound in the neighborhood," said neighbor Linda Romanak.
“Tremendous shockwave…The house shook. If you would’ve told me the roof caved in, I would’ve believed it," said Bob Mitchell.
Mitchell was in his basement when he heard the explosion. He says he didn’t know the family well but can’t imagine what they’re going through just a few days before Christmas.
"They lost everything they had except literally the clothes on their back," said Mitchell.
Romanak says she walked around the block the next day and was able to see the full damage to the home.
"We could see signs of their kitchen, and their Christmas tree and the cars, their windows were blown out in the cars and it’s just like…How do you actually grasp that? You know, this close to Christmas? I'm sure many of their gifts were lost, as well as their pet. They had a cat that was lost, and that’s very sad too," said Romanak.
The family released the following statement through their lawyers:
On Dec. 13, 2022, a gas explosion destroyed the Barber family home in Susquehanna Township. The Barbers lost everything, including their family pet. Their two young daughters escaped with their lives, but only just barely, and stood by as they watched their home, possessions, and family cat be engulfed. The family is now left to rebuild their life from the rubble.
The entire Barber family has been overwhelmed by the positive support they’ve received from family, friends, and their community over the last week, and wants to thank everyone who’s been there for the family at this trying time.
The Susquehanna Township Police Department says the investigation is still ongoing.
A link to the Barber family's verified GoFundMe page can be found below:
Barber Family House Explosion