New Jersey House Explodes, Severely Burned Victims Reported

A house exploded in New Jersey Saturday, and authorities said there were victims with severe burns. At least two were reportedly injured.

The explosion damaged an adjacent building and forced the closure of nearby streets. Debris was scattered into the road from the New Jersey home, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

Phillipsburg Mayor Stephen Ellis said authorities smelled a gas odor around the site, according to the report. Residents were outside their homes hovering around the police tape strung across the streets.

The explosion happened at 74 Filmore St. in Phillipsburg, according to Warren County law enforcement officials. A medevac helicopter was expected to transport victims from the scene.

Phillipsburg police Chief James Faulborn said the two people who were hurt were taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. One man suffered burns on more than half his body, according to The Morning Call.

He said authorities have not determined what caused the blast that destroyed one building and damaged nearby homes, and could compel the town to raze a duplex, according to the report.

Nearby residents were reporting about what they heard on social media:

• Tracy Unangst Newlander Prayers for them!
• Kara Moore I live on in Lopatcong Twp down the road from gabriellas pizza and I heard it. I was wondering what the noise was. I hope the people involved will be ok.
• Lauren Fehr: Wow so sad prayers
• Linda Delamater-Weiss: Prayers for all

Photos: northeastbravest, Lydia Davis and http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/#/0