New Jersey home explosion that resulted in 2 fatalities deemed intentional, authorities confirm.

A tragic incident involving the deaths of two individuals in a house explosion in Washington Township, New Jersey, has been classified as a murder-suicide, as confirmed by authorities on Tuesday. The explosion, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, resulted in a complete destruction of the residence located on Tranquility Court, leaving the home “fully engulfed in flames.”

Upon arrival, emergency responders from the Washington Township Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire and discovered the bodies of a man and a woman among the debris. Although the identities of the victims have not yet been officially disclosed by police, local sources have identified the man as Daniel Steele.

Further investigation revealed that Steele was found in the living room alongside a handgun, leading officials to determine that his death resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to the Gloucester County Medical Examiner, this incident was deemed a suicide that was followed by the explosion. The woman, discovered on a bed, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, which has been classified as a homicide. Prosecutors suggest that she was shot prior to the explosion.

Authorities have also reported the presence of an accelerant at the scene, alongside signs that the home’s gas line may have been tampered with. The Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement, is conducting an ongoing criminal investigation to elucidate the circumstances surrounding the explosion and to ascertain the precise events leading up to it.

Witnesses have remarked on the intensity of the blaze, noting that the fire consumed the structure rapidly, suggesting that there were probable contributing factors to the fire’s quick spread. However, officials have refrained from providing additional details on these potential factors as the investigation remains active and ongoing.

This incident has raised significant concerns in the local community about safety and the potential for similar tragedies. As investigations continue, both law enforcement and community officials are prioritizing transparency and the dissemination of information about the case.

The investigation into the specifics of the explosion highlights the necessity for safety measures in residential areas, particularly regarding gas lines and the handling of accelerants. The ongoing inquiry is a critical step toward understanding the motivations behind this heartbreaking event.