A gas line explosion in the Village of Wappingers Falls, New York, has left 15 people injured and a residential building destroyed. The incident occurred on Thursday around 12:15 p.m. when an excavator struck the gas line, causing an apparent explosion. First responders arrived to find a working fire and individuals trapped in the rubble of the collapsed building.

Wappingers Falls Fire Chief Jason Enson provided details during a media briefing, stating that ten people were injured in the initial incident, including eight adults and two children. The victims had critical injuries upon the arrival of first responders, although the extent of their injuries was not immediately clear. Additionally, five first responders, including one firefighter and four police officers, were being treated at hospitals for minor injuries, including smoke inhalation.

Emergency personnel swiftly airlifted three of the injured victims for immediate medical treatment, while the remaining victims were transported via ambulance. Paul Italiano, Wappingers Falls police commissioner, confirmed that all injured victims were still receiving hospital care as of Thursday evening.

During the news conference, Eric Kiszkiel from Central Hudson Gas & Electric revealed that routine maintenance was being conducted in the area, including the replacement of a gas main. Kiszkiel noted that the gas infrastructure in the vicinity could date back to the 1930s or '40s, raising concerns about its aging condition.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric President and CEO Christopher M. Capone reassured impacted customers that electric service had been restored and natural gas was expected to be restored for nearly all affected customers by the end of the night, providing some relief amidst the chaos.

Witnesses reported feeling the blast several blocks away, with one witness, Marcie Ward, mentioning that her house shook due to the explosion. Ward described the distressing scene of a severely burned young boy being carried out from the wreckage.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement expressing her concern and support, emphasizing that emergency personnel from the state had been deployed to assist in response efforts. She urged all New Yorkers to adhere to the instructions of law enforcement and first responders while offering prayers for the Village of Wappingers Falls.

The building that collapsed was identified as a multifamily structure consisting of four apartments in a row, according to Wappingers Falls Fire Chief Jason Enson. Central Hudson Gas & Electric is coordinating with the Red Cross to provide assistance to those displaced by the explosion.

Wappingers Falls is located approximately 60 miles north of Yonkers, and the incident has sparked discussions regarding the safety and maintenance of gas infrastructure in the area, particularly given the age of some of the gas lines. Investigations into the exact cause of the gas line rupture and subsequent explosion are expected to be underway in the coming days.