Facebook

Facebook Activates, Then Deactivates Safety Check in Philly After Apartment Explosion

In wake of the explosion that went off in a Center City apartment Tuesday morning, Facebook activated its Safety Check feature-- only to disable the activation shortly after 12 p.m.

The check-in allows users in affected areas of mass crises to inform family and friends that they are safe.

On Tuesday around 4 a.m., an explosion erupted when a 62-year-old man opened a manila envelope that was stuffed with a bomb. The victim was left with injuries to the face, hand and chest.

Police said the explosion was “target specific” and not a terrorist attack.

NBC10 reached out to Facebook for a statement but was unable to reach them.

On Oct. 2014, Mark Zuckerberg announced on his Facebook page the launch of Safety Check. The check-in tool has been activated during several disasters, including the Brussels bombing, Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, the Houston floodings, and the Hoboken train crash.

Contact Us