Arson Ruled in Eastern Pennsylvania Strip Mall Explosion

Authorities in eastern Pennsylvania say an explosion that destroyed three businesses in a strip mall was arson.

Trooper David Klitsch, a state police deputy fire marshal, says investigators have determined the blaze was intentionally set in Chocolateers Inc., a candy and novelty shop.

Chocolateers, a pizzeria and a Chinese restaurant were destroyed Nov. 27 when the building they shared in Chestnuthill Township, in Monroe County, burned to the ground.

The businesses were closed at the time, but about a half-dozen firefighters were inside when the explosion blew out some of the walls and caused much of the building to collapse. The firefighters managed to escape through a side door.

No arrests have been made.
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Information from: The Morning Call