Update: Vehicle Slams Into House, Kills 2
Authorities are investigating what caused a vehicle to veer off Byberry Road and hit a home, which burst into flames and within 30 minutes was destroyed.
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The driver and passenger of a vehicle that slammed into a Byberry Road home, engulfing it into flames early Tuesday morning, perished in the blaze, sources confirm.
Authorities have not yet identified the two people killed in the crash and subsequent blaze. A source close to the investigation said the bodies were so badly burnt that dental records will be used to discover the identities.
Police confirmed this morning that a couple who lived in the 3150 Byberry Road home with their three children and dog escaped the fire unhurt. Neighbors said the family is staying with relatives for the time being.
Authorities told Patch that the car, which was headed west toward Warminster Road in the Hatboro section of Upper Moreland, veered off Byberry Road, went across a patch of grass and slammed into vehicles that were parked in the driveway. One fire official said that a gas tank ruptured and fueled the fire, which destroyed the home at around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday.
“I heard the explosion, but I didn’t think anything of it.” said Upper Moreland resident Pat Polichetti, who thought the noise was caused by someone setting off fireworks.
Nearby residents reported hearing the crash and then a loud explosion.
The intense flames destroyed the home in about 30 minutes, and the dwelling was declared a total loss this morning, a firefighter said.
At the height of the fire, flames and white smoke could be seen from County Line Road, said a Preston Lane resident, who came to see damage for himself.
Byberry Road between Warminster and Davisville roads was closed this morning as authorities investigated the incident, police said.
A few hours after the Byberry Road house fire began, a fire broke out solely on the roof of a home at 330 S. Warminster Road in Hatboro. Chris Gowen, Enterprise Fire Company president, said that fire—which was limited to a 20 foot by 15 foot section—was most likely caused by an ember from the Byberry Road blaze.
Fire crews from Hatboro, Bryn Athyn, Horsham, Abington, Warminster and Upper Southampton assisted the Willow Grove Fire Company at the site of the fatal car crash, according to county dispatch. Despite their efforts, the house was not salvageable. On Tuesday evening, crane operators worked to knock down the charred skeleton of the former residence.
The county also reported that the State Police Fire Marshal was called to scene to help with the investigation.
Ruth Z. Deming
2:36 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
just got home from hatboro at around 2:15 pm. there was quite a crowd gathered in front of the blackened skeleton of the house - you could smell it! - and it was shocking to see one of the burned-out cars. i'd gone to my printer - mark amos of bux-mont - who told me the amazing story - said it was all over the radio and the town. that house and those cars are really a spectacle to see. i'd be standing in front of it myself if i lived in the neighborhood. so glad the family and dog escaped. question is: who was the driver....was he inebriated, etc.
Tom Sofield
2:38 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
@Ruth: Last police said was the accident was under investigation. I was told that speed or the driver falling asleep was being investigated, but that is not confirmed as of yet.
Ruth Z. Deming
2:44 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
thanks, tom. funny, cuz i was coming home last nite from a BBQ at my sister's in hatboro, it was only around 10. then in the middle of the nite i heard loads and loads of sirens - all those fire companies that came out. i think patch did a story w/i the past few days of fire companies. it's so easy to fall asleep at the wheel in the wee hours of the morning. very sad.
Ruth Z. Deming
2:48 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
tom, just read your bio. you're an enterprising young reporter! i'll watch for your stories.
Tom Sofield
2:48 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Thank you Ruth!
Toni Kistner
11:32 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
A terrible tragedy, warm wishes and much sympathy to the families involved.
Tracy Evancho
7:56 pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2011
My family and I would go for walks past this house, it was our dream house, wrap around portch and 2 car garage...... My sympathy goes out the family. I cant stop thinking about them. I am so glad that they all got out safe! Wish there was something i could do to help.