Rescue Efforts End At Gas Tank Explosion Scene

A worker was presumed dead Wednesday morning following a gas tank explosion that happened in Bensalem late Tuesday afternoon.

The worker remained underground at the Liberty Gas-Vigilante Service Center in the 1200 block of Bristol Pike. The tank was largely covered by concrete and pavement, which will have to be removed with heavy equipment.

Bensalem Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Rob Sponheimer said the level of dangerous fumes in the tank that exploded around 4:50 p.m. Tuesday remained too high Wednesday morning to send firefighters inside.

Rescue crews left the scene shortly after daybreak Wednesday and were expected to return around mid-morning to begin their recovery operate, Sponheimer told reporters.

Once rescue crews broke down Wednesday, hazmat and environmental teams remained at the gas station. The ATF also arrived.

Shortly after the explosion, one worker was rushed from the scene and to the hospital with serious burn injuries, officials said.

Workers were checking the underground tank when the blast occurred, officials said.

Rescue crews from around Bucks County, including the Levittown area, and Philadelphia responded to the scene. Specialized technical rescue, hazmat, and firefighting teams were among the units dispatched.