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An explosion leveled a New York home and left a pile of smoldering rubble in its place, with 15 people injured, some of whom were seriously injured, according to authorities. The explosion occurred around noon Thursday in the town of Wappingers Falls , according to Dutchess County officials.Central Hudson Gas & Electric He said a utility contractor hit a three-quarter-inch underground gas service line and that digging appears to have caused the fire and possible explosion. The exact cause is still under investigation, police and the utility company said.
NEW YORK — An explosion leveled a New York home and left a pile of smoldering rubble in its place, injuring 15 people, some of whom were seriously injured, according to authorities.
The explosion occurred around noon on Thursday in the city of Wappingers Falls, according to Dutchess County Emergency Response Commissioner Dana Smith. Smith told NBC New York that multiple fire departments, EMS units and other first responders responded to the scene in Brick Rownearly Mill Street.
First responders were met by victims leaving the building and told there was more inside, according to the police commissioner. Wappingers FallsPaul Italiano.
A total of 15 people were injured, including eight adults and two children who were inside the multi-family home, Italiano said. Some of the victims had to be pulled from the rubble. Smoke was still rising as firefighters tried to douse hot spots.
Five rescuers were also injured. All victims were being treated at nearby hospitals.
One witness said his entire house shook as a result of the explosion and was felt blocks away.
“They were taking a little boy who was badly burned,” said witness Marcie Ward.
Central Hudson Gas & Electric He said a utility contractor hit a three-quarter-inch underground gas service line and that digging appears to have caused the fire and possible explosion. The exact cause is still under investigation, police and the utility company said.
Italiano said the cause of the explosion appeared to be a gas leak and was not considered criminal in nature.
By 1:30 p.m., electricity and gas service had been shut off in the neighborhood, leaving fewer than 100 customers without power. More than a dozen gas service lines were also cut.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that she had been informed of the “building collapse in Dutchess County and had deployed state emergency services personnel to assist in response efforts.”
2023-11-03 02:06:17
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