By David Jwanier
At least seven people were injured, including five PSE&G workers, Tuesday afternoon when a gas explosion ripped through a Ewing Township, N.J. condo complex. The blast destroyed at least one home and others were damaged by what witnesses described as a fireball.
Two hours after the explosion, firefighters from West Trenton Fire Co. and surrounding communities in Mercer County and beyond were still dousing the flames.
PSE&G said crews were working on repairs to a gas line that was reported damaged by a contractor when “there was an ignition.” The cause was under investigation.
According to news reports, the accident occurred about 1 p.m. in the South Fork development when witnesses said they heard what sounded “like a thunderbolt hitting” the area. One witness described diving to avoid a fireball.
Details were still unclear late Tuesday afternoon.
Ewing Police Lieutenant Ron Lunetta said five PSE&G workers were injured in the explosion, in addition to two employees of utility contractor Henkels and McCoy. PSE&G said two of its employees were hospitalized.
One of the injured was undergoing emergency surgery for lower body fractures at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, according to Chief of Surgery Louis D’Amelio. None of the injuries were considered life threatening.
It did not appear that any residents were injured.
Dozens of homes were evacuated and affected residents were taken to the fire company and a local golf course in the immediate aftermath.
News reports said homeowners whose homes weren’t directly affected by the blaze would have to wait until late evening to return to their homes.
