Deadly Explosion Destroys NJ Home, Criminal Probe Launched

A devastating explosion obliterated a Washington Township home early Sunday morning, killing two residents and prompting authorities to launch a criminal investigation. The powerful blast, which occurred around 2:00 a.m. on May 11, 2025, sent shockwaves through the peaceful Gloucester County neighborhood near Tranquility Court and Orion Way, waking residents blocks away.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal probe into the incident, with Chief of Detectives Tom Gilbert telling reporters, “We’re not looking at it as if it was an accident,” according to MSN. The bodies of one male and one female were recovered from the rubble, though authorities have not yet released their identities.

Neighbors Describe “Bomb-Like” Explosion

Multiple 911 calls flooded emergency services just after 2:00 a.m., with panicked residents reporting a powerful explosion and fire. When first responders arrived at 13 Tranquility Court, they discovered the residence fully engulfed in flames and severely damaged by what appeared to be an explosion, according to a statement from the Washington Township Police Department.

Local resident Susan Pinto told NBC10 Philadelphia she was “absolutely terrified” by the blast. “I never heard an explosion like that in my life and it just was, the house was, basically, burning to the ground very, very quickly,” Pinto said, adding that the structure was completely engulfed in flames within minutes.

Another neighborhood resident, Jimmy Gibson, described the event to local news outlets as “a real loud boom,” stating that “the whole house was in flames as soon as the explosion happened.” Multiple witnesses compared the sound to a bomb detonating, with the blast powerful enough to rattle homes blocks away.

Adjacent Properties Damaged

The explosive force and resulting fire caused damage to at least one neighboring home, according to investigators. Jill Rauf, who lives next door and was hosting her 92-year-old mother for Mother’s Day, expressed shock to The Philadelphia Inquirer, saying “We could have been killed.”

Video footage from news helicopters showed significant debris scattered across the property, with only the foundation and charred remnants of the structure remaining. A vehicle parked near the home also sustained damage from the explosion, though specific details about the extent of damage to surrounding properties have not been fully disclosed.

Multi-Agency Investigation Underway

The Washington Township Fire Department responded quickly to the scene and worked to extinguish the blaze, which took approximately 30 minutes to bring under control. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to ensure all hotspots were eliminated and to assist with the investigation.

The incident has prompted a coordinated investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Washington Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau, Washington Township Fire Investigators, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. While speculation about a possible gas leak has emerged, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the explosion.

Community Impact

The explosion has deeply affected the typically quiet Washington Township community. Neighbors gathered on surrounding lawns throughout Sunday morning, expressing disbelief as investigators combed through the scene. The smell of smoke and burned debris lingered in the air hours after firefighters had extinguished the flames.

One neighbor, Michael Gay, told reporters he would often see the male victim walking his dog. “He was nice. He was a good guy… He was a great guy to talk to. He’ll say hi, conversations here and there,” Gay said, adding, “It’s sad. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

Township officials have not yet announced any community support initiatives for affected neighbors, though local disaster response organizations are reportedly preparing to offer assistance if needed.

Investigation Timeline

Authorities have indicated the investigation will likely take several days as specialists examine the debris and attempt to determine the exact cause of the explosion. The criminal nature of the investigation suggests investigators may have identified suspicious circumstances, though specific details have not been made public.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has promised additional updates as the investigation progresses, but cautioned that the complex nature of explosion investigations often requires patience as evidence is carefully collected and analyzed.