An explosion rocked a New Jersey apartment building Friday afternoon as fire department crews raced to put out flames shooting out of the structure.
A multi-level apartment building in Carteret had heavy smoke and tall flames shooting out from much of the roof by 2 p.m. At one point an explosion could be seen in the middle of the roof and the top floor of the building.
Nine hours after the fire began, firefighters were still pouring water on hot spots. By the time fire teams were able to get control of the fire and extinguish most of the blaze, 48 units had been damaged and 75 residents were displaced. A city spokesperson called the building a complete loss.
One single mother who lived in the building was devasted to learn everything had been burned.
"I have kids. I moved out here to do everything better for my kids. I'm just at a complete loss right now," she said.
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Fire investigators are still working to determine a cause for the fire. Neighbors say they saw flames on a second-floor balcony before it eventually spread to the roof and caused a collapse of several floors.
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The Carteret fire chief said that the building is in danger of collapse due to the extensive damage. One part of the building was intentionally brought down Friday night, while the rest will be taken down on Saturday — if it doesn't collapse on its own first.
There were a few minor injuries sustained in the fire, but a spokesperson said non were believed to be life-threatening. Some of those minor injuries were to the more than 75 firefighters who battled the blaze.
The website for the Bristol Station apartments describes the complex as the only gated community in Carteret.
