Authorities: 10 people, 5 first responders hurt in Wappingers Falls house explosion and collapse

Dutchess County Emergency Management posted on Facebook that emergency responders were working at the scene of a fire and building collapse in the Village of Wappingers Falls.

News 12 Staff

Nov 2, 2023, 5:03 PM

Updated 401 days ago

Share:

Fire officials say 10 people were hurt after a house explosion in Wappingers Falls early Thursday afternoon.
They say another five first responders also got hurt while responding to the scene at 4 Brick Row.
Fire officials say a resident made a 911 call around 12:15 p.m.
News 12 was told that half of the house is gone.
Officials said 10 victims, including a child, were injured.
Several people were taken to the hospital following a Wappingers Falls house explosion
News 12's Ben Nandy was at MidHudson Regional Hospital, where some of the were being treated.
One child and two adults were taken by helicopter to Westchester County Medical Center.
The Westchester County Medical Center Health Network said Thursday night that it is providing care to nine of the 10 who were injured in the explosion.
It said three of the victims were in critical condition. Five others were listed in serious condition.
One victim was taken to MidHudson Regional Hospital where they were listed in good condition as of Thursday night.
Viewer video
The first responders were taken to the hospitals to be treated for smoke inhalation.
The gas and electrical power were shut off as the investigation continued Thursday night.
Officials said a contractor sparked the explosion and fire while doing routine maintenance on a gas main line on Hill Street and the service lines to the side roads.
The explosion leveled the four side-by-side apartments.
Wappingers Falls mayor, fire officials provide details on house explosion in Wappingers Falls
News 12's Jonathan Gordon was in Wappingers Falls where the mayor, fire officials and representatives from Central Hudson gave details about the Wappingers Falls house explosion.
Dutchess County Emergency Management posted on Facebook that emergency responders were working at the scene of a fire and building collapse in the Village of Wappingers Falls. They asked people to avoid the area of Mill and High streets until further notice.
NY Route 9D was still closed between School Street and East Main Street in the Town of Wappinger as of Thursday night.
Motorists should avoid the Mill Street and Brick Row in the Village of Wappinger Falls.
East and West Main streets have since reopened.
Chopper 12 video at the scene:
People in the neighborhood also took precautions. Staff and children were evacuated from the Honey Bee Child Care Center.
A spokesperson for the American Red Cross said almost all of the displaced families were put into a hotel for the night.
Eyewitness Reid Goodman
Crews were still searching through the rubble as of Thursday night to ensure no one was still stuck underneath the remains of the home.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released the following statement:
“I have been briefed on the building collapse in Dutchess County and have deployed State emergency services personnel to assist in response efforts. As the situation develops, I urge all New Yorkers to follow the direction of law enforcement and other first responders working to keep the community safe. I join all New Yorkers in praying for the Village of Wappingers Falls.”