By Marlyn Montilla
04 Nov 2023, 15:05 PM EDT
A gas explosion toppled a portion of a brick multifamily building north of New York City, leaving several people trapped in the rubble and injuring 10 of them, authorities said.
They also announced that there were no victims to report in the explosion and subsequent fire that occurred on Thursday afternoon, which caused a thick column of smoke in the air about 50 miles to the north. Rescuers rushed to rescue people from the rubble.
“I had never seen anything like it. I have been a volunteer firefighter and chief for 27 years. So I think they did an extraordinary job,” Wappingers Falls Fire Chief Jason Enson said at a news conference.
Eight adults and two minors suffered injuries from the explosion or burns from the fire. A child and two adults were taken by helicopter to Westchester Medical Center, Fox News reported.
Three of the patients remain hospitalized in critical condition and five more in serious condition as of Friday.
Another victim was reported in good condition at a separate area hospital, according to Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
One firefighter and four police officers who responded to the building were treated for minor injuries or smoke exposure during the rescue.
New York officials opened an investigation into the case. However, they said preliminary reports indicate that a utility contractor hit a gas line.
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