Probe Continues in Port Washington Explosion

Photo: Steve Kaplan

Officials continue to investigate the massive explosion on Prospect Avenue that shook Port Washington Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead and four firefighters and one police officer injured.

The firefighters and police officer were treated and released, Port Washington Fire Chief Ray Ryan and Port Washington Police District’s Acting Chief Jim Salerno told Patch.

Approximately 150 firefighters from 20 department responded to the scene, Ryan said.

The explosion occurred at about 8:30 p.m. Port Washington Police had already received a 911 call. When police arrived, they were met by a 39-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child whom they evacuated from the home because of the strong odor of gasoline in the area. As they led the woman and child to safety, the detached garage exploded and burst into flames, police said.

A body was found where the garage stood. The name of the person who died has not been released, nor was the nature of the 911 call.

The blast site behind Prospect Ave is a scene of devastation. The roof of one home is blown apart, exposing the rear of a house. Charred wood is strewn across the lawn. Damage is visible to at least three homes and cars in the vicinity.

The Red Cross was on the scene, as was a representative of the Port Washington Crisis Relief Team, an all-volunteer organization, to offer assistance.

“All surrounding homes were evacuated,” Elise May, a founding member of the crisis relief team, said.

“Working with Dave Franklin via phone, the team accessed information they needed,” she added. “They were released after displaced families chose to relocate with family members.”

Franklin is a member of the crisis relief team, and also serves as a police commissioner in Port Washington.

The crisis relief team is meeting Wednesday to assess the damage and see if their services will be needed in any way, May said.