Pennsylvania

Blast That Killed Pennsylvania Maintenance Worker Appears to be Accidental: DA

Authorities say an explosion that killed the maintenance manager of a northeastern Pennsylvania borough appears to have been accidental.

The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that 43-year-old Steve Swift, the Factoryville maintenance manager, was burning items near a municipal shed in neighboring Clinton Township.

Officials said Swift was using heavy machinery to move a burning rubbish pile when something exploded about 6:30 p.m. Monday. State police haven't specified what Swift was burning, what exploded or what caused the explosion.

Wyoming County District Attorney Jeff Mitchell said his office isn't part of the investigation, but he had spoken to police and the explosion "appears to be accidental."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us