Eight NYPD Officers Injured in Queens Gas Explosion
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QUEENS, N.Y. — Eight New York City police officers were injured early Thursday morning after a gas explosion inside a residential building in Queens knocked them off their feet, body camera footage shows.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:42 a.m. at a home in the Jamaica section of Queens. Officers had responded to a call regarding a reported gas leak. As they approached the residence, a sudden explosion erupted, sending debris and shockwaves through the area. The force of the blast threw the eight officers backward, some landing on the pavement while others were propelled against nearby structures.
Emergency crews arrived within minutes to treat the injured officers and secure the scene. All eight officers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. Authorities have not yet released the names of the injured or the severity of their injuries, though initial assessments suggest they are stable. Firefighters worked to extinguish the resulting blaze and ventilate the building to prevent further incidents.
The explosion caused significant damage to the front facade of the two-story home. Windows were shattered, and the front door was blown off its hinges. Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom that shook their homes and woke residents across the neighborhood. Several residents described seeing a fireball rise from the property before emergency vehicles arrived.
Police have cordoned off the surrounding streets, including parts of 165th Street and Hillside Avenue, as investigators work to determine the cause of the explosion. The Queens Fire Department and the Bureau of Fire Investigation are examining the scene for evidence of a gas line rupture or other mechanical failure. Utility crews from Con Edison are also on site to assess the gas infrastructure in the area.
No civilians were reported injured in the blast, though several residents were evacuated from nearby buildings as a precaution. The building where the explosion occurred was unoccupied at the time of the incident, according to neighbors who spoke to reporters outside the police tape.
The incident marks the second gas-related emergency in the neighborhood this month. Residents have expressed concern over aging infrastructure and the frequency of utility issues in the area. Local officials have promised a full review of the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
As of late Thursday morning, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not confirmed whether the officers were inside the building when the explosion occurred or if they were outside on the porch. The release of additional body camera footage is expected in the coming days as the inquiry continues.