Investigators are still trying to piece together what happened to cause the explosion at the New Jersey home, which likely would’ve killed a man trapped inside if it weren’t for officers who rushed to the scene. NBC 4 New York’s Michael George reports.
What to Know
- A house explosion in New Jersey spewed a thick plume of smoke that was visible from Manhattan Monday; one person was taken to a hospital
- Firefighters were called to the scene of the blast on Abbott Avenue in Ridgefield around 11:30 a.m.
- Two homes on either side of the exploded house appeared completely intact; nothing remained of the exploded building
A home somehow exploded in New Jersey Monday, generating a plume of smoke visible from Manhattan as firefighters battled a raging blaze on the ground.
Firefighters were called to the scene of the blast on Abbott Avenue in Ridgefield around 11:30 a.m. Neighbors reported hearing a boom shortly before the fire broke out, but it wasn't clear what caused the explosion.
Authorities say the lone person inside the home was rescued by an off-duty police officer who happened to be nearby. The officer, whose name was not released, dug through some debris to free the person with the help of other responders.
Town officials initially said the person in the home wasn't injured. But authorities later said that person suffered undisclosed injuries and was taken to a hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Chopper 4 showed a huge emergency response at the scene. Two homes on either side of the exploded house appeared completely intact, though both had shingles on their roofs, while the affected building was reduced to a pile of debris and charred wood.
A car was seen buried under the flaming debris, with the blackened part of what was left of the roof crushing the front end of the vehicle.
