UPDATE: Truck Blows Up On Ocean County Street, Damaging Nearby Houses

A truck blew up on a New Jersey street early Saturday, according to authorities, causing damage to nearby houses. The cause of the explosion appears to be "accidental," perhaps related to a propane tank problem, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

The origin of the explosion was located within the oven of a trailer of a hot dog truck in Tuckerton.

The cause of the explosion was determined to be caused by "free flowing propane, communicating from the propane tank," according to Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office

"They could not eliminate an electrical spark from an appliance as the cause of ignition," according to Della Fave.

At around 4:45 a.m. on Saturday, the truck blew up on Route 539 and Railroad Avenue, according to authorities. The Tuckerton Lumber Co. captured the aftermath in photos (see below).

The Tuckerton Fire Department said it was dispatched to scene after getting a report of a possible motor vehicle crash at a building, or a possible hot dog trailer explosion at North Green Street and Second Avenue.

The truck had a trailer called Fuggettouit Lunch Wagon, which served as a hot dog stand. The property owner, Joseph DePalo, owned the trailer for approximately six years and hasn't had any issues with it, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

DePalo said he rented the trailer and business out to Robert Felicino, who started to rent the trailer last year and said he didn't have any problems with it. DePalo stated he doesn't have any insurance on the property or trailer, according to Della Fave.

Felicino said the trailer was inspected by the Health Department this past week. Felicino also said that he leaves the propane tanks on and doesn't turn them off at night, according to Della Fave.

On Saturday, the fire company said it responded with three engines, the rescue truck and an ambulance, and found a large amount of debris in a field, with damage to some houses in the area.

When firefighters arrived, there was no fire, and firefighters were sent to check residences for a several-block area for damage and potential injuries. There were no reported injuries, according to authorities. The explosion could be heard for miles.

The cause of the explosion is also being investigated by the Ocean County Fire Marshall's Office.

We'll have more information as it comes in.

Photos courtesy of Tuckerton Fire Department and Tim Harrigle of Tuckerton Lumber Company