Gas explosion destroys empty Gladwyne mansion under renovation

GLADWYNE, Pa. (AP/WTXF) -- Officials say an apparent gas explosion leveled an empty mansion in an affluent suburb of Philadelphia, reducing the 9,000-sq. foot home to rubble.

Authorities say the explosion at the Gladwyne mansion happened just after 8 p.m. Sunday night on the 600 block of Dodds Lane.

Authorities say they were called to the 600 block of Dodds Lane due to a gas leak and a house explosion Sunday, before 8 p.m.

The house was undergoing extensive renovations. Officials say no one was inside the home at the time of the explosion, and the family was staying in a second residence when the mansion exploded. An estimated 75 percent of the structure is gone.

A spokeswoman for PECO Energy Company says no injuries were reported.

Neighbor Peter Cooke says he heard the explosion suddenly, with his son Michael Cooke comparing it to a meteor strike. The explosion was heard in parts of southern New Jersey.

The fire marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.