15 injured in Stafford house explosion, authorities say
Emergency service crews on the scene of the Tuesday morning house explosion in Stafford. (Photo: JSHN contributor Roman Isaryk)
Over a dozen were injured when a natural gas explosion obliterated a house in Stafford Tuesday morning, authorities say.
Stafford Township police had advised residents this morning that there was a gas main break at the intersection of Route 9 and Oak Avenue in the Cedar Run neighborhood.
Seven New Jersey Natural Gas utility workers were injured as they were attempting to locate the gas leak source, police said. Two were rushed to the Trauma Unit at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center and are in critical condition.
Six firefighters and two emergency medical service technicians, who were at the scene due to the gas leak before the blast, were taken to the hospital for concussion-like symptoms.
Authorities did not identify any of the injured.
About 75 homes in the area were evacuated, and the explosion was felt for up to one mile from the scene, according to WCAU.
Police say nearby schools are far from the blast scene and carried on normal operations.
Route 9 was closed for hours after the explosion.
The scene remains under investigation this afternoon as repair work continues.
—————————————————————
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
