A major explosion sparked a five-alarm fire at a home Queensresulting in multiple new york police department The officer is hospitalized. According to the New York Post, a total of 10 people were injured, including seven police officers.
Police were dispatched to a dispute at a property on 130th Street on the South Side around 3 a.m. Thursday. richmond HILL. Initial reports said there was a man inside the residence armed with a knife. At one point, he barricaded himself in the basement, according to police reports, CNS News reported.
As police attempted to enter the premises, an explosion occurred.
The force of the explosion pushed officers and at least two people were lifted off the ground. One officer suffered a severe cut to his head, police officials reported.
Queens fire: Firefighting actions taken
More than 100 firefighters and emergency personnel were deployed to put out the blaze caused by the explosion. When they arrived they found a two-story house completely engulfed in flames.
The fire started in one house and quickly spread to neighboring homes.
Footage from the scene captured large amounts of smoke billowing from the neighborhood.
Queens fire: Residents report huge explosion
Queens residents report hearing explode.
“It was a loud bang and probably gunshots because I saw the police backing up and then they were like, ‘You have to evacuate, you have to evacuate,'” one resident said, according to CBS News. “I just grabbed what I could, jumped in the car and drove away, because the worst happened and I could at least sit in the car and charge my phone and go to someone’s house.”
A representative from the police department said no shots were fired.
Fire department officials have confirmed that no injuries were reported. The officer who was taken to the hospital is in stable condition, according to law enforcement.
this New York Fire Department People nearby are advised to avoid the smoke and expect traffic delays in the morning.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and police are also investigating the circumstances that led to the initial altercation.
