BY STACI WILSON
A Great Bend man will face felony charges after a small methamphetamine lab caused an explosion on the second floor of a Great Bend Borough multi-family residence.
Charges were filed against Kevin Welch, 31, by Susquehanna County detectives. Welch was charged with felony counts of manufacturing, delivery or possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or deliver; operating a methamphetamine lab; and risking catastrophe in connection with the Friday, Jan. 30 incident at a residence located on the corner of Main and Water streets in the borough.
Media reports indicated Welch was using a plastic container to make the drug when the explosion occurred. He then, allegedly, threw the ignited container out the window where it landed on the roof of the porch, causing the side of the building to catch on fire.
According to a information released about the incident on the Great Bend Police Facebook page, several firefighters were treated for respiratory injuries; and Welch sustained burns.
The Pennsylvania State Police Clandestine Lab Response Team responded, documented and performed cleanup at the residence in the early morning hours of Jan. 31, according to the Great Bend Police post.
Charges against Welch were filed in New Milford District Court on Tuesday by Susquehanna County detectives. A date for a preliminary hearing had not been scheduled by press time on Tuesday.
In October 2014, several other individuals were also charged by county detectives with operating a methamphetamine lab in Great Bend Twp.
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