An explosion has left at least seven people injured on Thursday after a construction crew reportedly ruptured a natural gas line in Wappingers Falls, New York.
The explosion damaged a family home, which half collapsed.
At least two victims have been found in the rubble, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. The injured reportedly include children.
A heavy equipment operator is reportedly trapped in his machine as first responders try to reach him.
One of the injured is a state trooper who was one of the first to respond to the scene.
An explosion has left at least seven people injured on Thursday after a construction crew reportedly ruptured a natural gas line in Wappingers Falls, New York
Officials have requested helicopters to transfer the wounded to the hospital
Officials have requested helicopters to transfer the wounded to the hospital.
News 12 Westchester reports that witnesses saw a mother and her two children come out of the home ‘badly hurt.’
The public has been asked to avoid the area of Main Street, Mesier Park, Mill Street and High Street while firefighters work.
The Dutchess County Emergency Management said: ‘Be advised that EAST and WEST MAIN ST are CLOSED in the V/Wappingers between SOUTH AVE and DELAVERGNE AVE due to extended fire department activity at a building collapse. Please AVOID THE AREA until further notice.’
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement about the incident.
She wrote: ‘I have been briefed on the building collapse in Dutchess County and have deployed State emergency services personnel to assist in response efforts. New Yorkers: please follow directions from law enforcement and other first responders working to keep the community safe.’
A spokesperson for Central Hudson said a contractor struck a 3/4-inch gas service line and the dig caused a fire and explosion, as reported by ABC 7.
The explosion happened at around 12.22pm on Brick Row.
Electric and natural gas services were cut in the area at 1.30pm.
An investigation is underway to figure out the cause of the explosion
Officials have requested helicopters to transfer the wounded to the hospital
