Police: 5 critical in Philly food truck explosion

7/2/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS
  • Food-Truck-Explosion

    The Philadelphia Police and Fire Department investigate the scene of a food truck explosion in the Northeast section of Philadelphia on Tuesday.

    ASSOCIATED PRESS

  • A propane tank on a food truck exploded in Philadelphia Tuesday, sending a huge fireball into the sky and injuring at least 11 people.
    A propane tank on a food truck exploded in Philadelphia Tuesday, sending a huge fireball into the sky and injuring at least 11 people.

    PHILADELPHIA — Police say a propane explosion on a Philadelphia food truck that critically injured five people was caused by a significant leak.

    In a statement issued today, investigators say a leak from one of the two propane tanks on the lunch truck created a vapor cloud that was ignited by the cooking grills.

    A transit police officer who rushed to the scene immediately following the explosion says multiple victims were lying in the street, including at least one who was on fire.

    Authorities say 10 of the 13 victims were taken to hospitals. Five remain in critical condition — the truck owner, her daughter and two other relatives, and a 23-year-old man.

    Officials say the truck was licensed to operate and was open for business at the time of the explosion.