A massive explosion followed by a devastating fire claimed two lives in a residential area of Sewell, New Jersey, prompting authorities to launch a criminal investigation.

According to Fox News, the incident occurred just after 2 a.m. Sunday when neighbors reported hearing a "gigantic explosion" that shook nearby homes before the structure became engulfed in flames.

The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has initiated a criminal investigation into the deadly incident, which resulted in the complete destruction of the home and caused damage to surrounding properties. Authorities plan to conduct autopsies on both victims to gather more information about the circumstances leading to their deaths.

Neighbors describe terrifying moments during explosion

Resident Suzanne Pinto, who lives nearby, recalled the intense force of the explosion that rattled her entire house. The blast was so powerful that it prompted immediate evacuation of surrounding homes as residents feared for their safety. Another neighbor, Jill Ralph, described the harrowing experience of having to quickly evacuate with her husband and 92-year-old mother.

Pinto shared her daily encounters with one of the victims:

We knew the house was in such a condition, no one could be rescued from that fire. Just very tragic, very tragic. I see the guy every day. He has a dog. He walks up and down the street all day.

The Washington Township Police Department and local emergency services responded promptly to the scene, though they were unable to save the occupants of the home due to the intensity of the flames.

Impact on surrounding community

The explosion's impact extended beyond the immediate property, causing significant damage to adjacent homes in the residential neighborhood. The incident has left the community shaken, with many residents expressing shock at the sudden loss of their neighbors.

Local authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the explosion, which remains unclear. The criminal investigation suggests potential suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, though officials have not released specific details about what prompted this approach.

The intensity of the blast was captured on a Ring camera, showing the moment the house became consumed by flames. This footage may prove crucial in the ongoing investigation as authorities piece together the sequence of events.

Investigation continues as community mourns

Multiple agencies are involved in the investigation, including local law enforcement and fire officials. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office is taking the lead in examining the circumstances that led to the fatal explosion.

The victims' identities have not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. The community has begun to mourn the loss of the residents, who were known to their neighbors through regular interactions in the close-knit neighborhood.

Emergency response teams worked through the early morning hours to secure the area and ensure the safety of nearby residents. The incident has prompted discussions about safety measures and emergency preparedness in the community.

Unfolding developments in tragic incident

A man and woman lost their lives in a devastating house explosion and fire in Sewell, New Jersey, early Sunday morning. The incident, which occurred just after 2 a.m., began with what neighbors described as a "gigantic explosion" that rocked nearby homes before the structure became engulfed in flames. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office has launched a criminal investigation into the matter, with autopsies pending on both victims to determine the exact cause and circumstances of their deaths.