Explosion at Kensington home injures three

September 30, 2019 Meaghan McGoldrick

Image via Citizen

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Updated at 10:05 a.m., Tuesday

Three people were injured — one seriously — after a reported home explosion in Kensington on Monday afternoon.

The blaze broke out just before 1:30 p.m. after an explosion occurred on the first floor of 820 Friel Place, according to fire department officials, who said at around 2:40 p.m. that the incident “should be under control shortly.”

One victim has been transported to the burn unit at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and two others were transported to area hospitals, a spokesperson said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but some reports — including updates on the app Citizen — say that it appears to have been caused by a natural gas explosion. Reports further claim that at least part of the affected building has collapsed.

A spokesperson for National Grid said the agency immediately dispatched a crew to the location which then “made conditions safe by shutting off the gas at the curb.”

A New York City Department of Buildings spokesperson told the Brooklyn Eagle that the agency has an investigator on site.

As of Monday evening, a preliminary investigation by the agency determined that the building is no longer structurally stable, and is in danger of collapse.

An FDNY representative also confirmed that the building has suffered “significant structural damage.”

DOB has ordered an immediate emergency declaration for demolition of the building, to ensure the safety of the public. The agency’s investigation also remains ongoing.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.