Police K-9 officers were present at the scene of a house explosion in Washington Township, N.J. on Monday, as reported by WCAU. Authorities in New Jersey have launched a criminal investigation into a tragic house fire, described by neighbors as an explosion, that occurred on Sunday in Washington Township. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left the house reduced to rubble. The Gloucester County Fire Marshal’s Office is collaborating with law enforcement to determine the origin of the fire, now considered a criminal case. The county coroner’s office is still conducting investigations and has not yet released autopsy reports for the deceased man and woman found in the wreckage. While the identities of the victims have not been disclosed by authorities, neighbors and a woman who had a previous relationship with the man identified him as Daniel Steele. Steele’s former girlfriend, Nicole Ruiz, shared her emotional response, expressing sorrow for both families and describing Steele as a wonderful person. Prior to the fire, Steele had dropped off his dog, Billy, at Ruiz’s residence along with some dog food.
