As details of a March 4 gas line explosion that occurred in a Ewing Township townhouse complex remain under investigation by authorities, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has conveyed his prayers and support to all who were impacted. The tragedy claimed the life of one woman, who was identified by authorities as Linda Cerritelli, and left seven people injured. At least 55 units in the dwelling sustained damage and 10 units were destroyed.

To read Bishop O'Connell's full statement on the gas explosion tragedy, click here.

In his message, Bishop O’Connell said, “As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I reach out to those affected by the massive gas explosion in Ewing Township… Several of those suffering are members of parishes here in Mercer County. I ask all the members of the Diocese to remember the victims of this explosion in their prayers. As we begin this holy season of Lent, a time of penance and sacrifice for Christians, I encourage Catholics to be generous in the face of this unexpected tragedy.”

In his message, Bishop O’Connell encouraged the parishes in the Diocese to consider holding a second collection this weekend, March 8-9, or the following weekend, March 15-16, in which “100 percent of any funds collected will be distributed through the parishes of those people and families affected by the explosion.”

“May the Lord be with our sisters and brothers at this difficult time,” stated Bishop O’Connell. “Thank you for your goodness.”

Donations may be sent to: Ewing Family Relief Effort, Diocese of Trenton, 701 Lawrenceville Rd., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 ATTN: Sr. Joanne Dress, D.C.

News reports indicated that the explosion occurred during the early afternoon of March 4 in Ewing Township’s South Fork development at the home next to where Cerritelli resided. A problem was identified about 11:45 a.m. when Public Service Electric and Gas, New Jersey’s largest utility company, received a call from contractor Henkels and McCoy that a worker had damaged a gas line while working on an electrical matter. Although the explosion remains under investigation, the news reports stated that a worker was apparently drilling and struck the gas line which could have the caused the gas line to ignite.

As of March 6, at least 20 homes remained uninhabitable, though residents were permitted back to retrieve their belongings. Displaced residents were either seeking shelter in area hotels or the West Trenton Fire House where the Red Cross and Ewing Township set up a temporary living quarters.

Cerritelli was 62 years old and was employed as a regional office coordinator for Johnson and Johnson.