UPDATE: 15 Now Injured Following Gas Main Break, House Explosion In Manahawkin

The injury toll is now up to 15 following a gas main break and explosion that disintegrated a house that was under renovation, police said.

>>Related: WATCH: Video Shows House Explosion After Manahawkin Gas Main Break

Route 9 in Stafford is now open to traffic both ways after the early morning gas main break in the area of Route 9 and Oak Avenue, according to an alert from the Stafford Township police department.

However, Oak Ave is still closed from Rt. 9 to BogHollow/Perkins Lane. New Jersey Natural Gas crews are still on the scene making repairs.

Homes in the area of Route 9 and Oak Avenue in Manahawkin were evacuated earlier due to a active gas main break and an explosion at a home at 59 Oak Ave.

The natural gas explosion injured two people critically, officials said, according to app.com.

Seven of the injured were gas company workers, six were firefighters and two were emergency management technicians. Two gas company workers were reported to be in critical condition at AtlantiCare Medical Center in Atlantic City.

Several other homes were damaged in the explosion.

Seven New Jersey Natural Gas Company employees were injured in the explosion around 10:30 a.m., officials said. Stafford Police Capt. Tom Dellane confirmed that an estimated 75 homes have been evacuated.

The gas main break is on the easternmost portion of Oak Avenue between Perkins Lane and Route 9. All homes in the affected area have been evacuated by emergency personnel.

“Please stay away from the area to alleviate traffic congestion,” the alert states. ”All schools in the area are far from the affected area and SAFE. They are carrying out normal school day operations. Any rumors to the contrary are false.”

The Stafford Volunteer Fire Company is urging motorists to keep away from the area in a post on its Facebook page.

“As it’s probably well known by now, we are currently on scene of a house explosion. Companies from different towns are also assisting us in this emergency for mutual aid. Please stay clear of Route 9 and Oak Ave. Extensive details will not be posted on this page due to privacy concerns. Also, per command on scene NO FIREFIGHTERS ARE INJURED AT THIS TIME! Praying that everyone makes it home safe.”

Cedar Run residents without gas are directed to call 800-221-0051 for questions about restoring gas to homes, police said.