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According to northjersey.com, a house on fire exploded on the corner of Riverdale Rd and Ramapo Ave in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey.
Police were called to the home fire just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023. They arrived to find the single-story Cape Cod-style home inundated with smoke. A team entered the home heading to the basement to fight the blaze. Witnesses say they watched in disbelief as the "whole house lifted off the ground, then hit the ground again" before the roof blew off. Immediately after the explosion, the house went up in flames. The firefighters barely escaped the blast as they exited the basement by the compromised stairs. The six first responders suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but two were taken to the hospital for burns. The homeowner was able to evacuate the home prior to the explosion.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and explosion. By 3 a.m. Public Service Electric & Gas was on the scene to shut off the line to natural gas. The state Division of Fire Safety began investigating later that day as well.
Attorney Brian Kent is a New Jersey fire and explosion injury lawyer representing those injured in fires or explosions. Brian recently discussed when a first responder could sue for injuries sustained in the line of duty.
"It's nothing new for firefighters to get injured while on the job. There are many instances of severe or fatal injuries sustained by firefighters in New Jersey on a fairly regular basis. However, when negligence, such as a gas leak, is to blame, they may be able to file a case for compensation."
"Natural gas companies are required by law to maintain a high degree of safety to avoid preventable injuries caused by their gas connections, pipes and tanks. They need to do regular maintenance and safety checks to make sure there are no gas leaks. If the gas lines are not in good working order or need maintenance, there can be leaks. This carelessness can lead to building explosions and structure fires that can lead to severe injury or death."
"If a victim is injured in a natural gas explosion, they may be able to file a lawsuit against the gas company. This also pertains to injured first responders. Laws allow them to hold negligent third parties accountable for injuries and death. While regulations help to reduce the frequency of job-related fire and explosion injuries and deaths, these tragic events do occur. Victims or the family of a lost loved one through a fatal gas leak-related accident are encouraged to speak with an experienced explosion lawyer. These legal representatives understand how to get compensation for victims injured after a residential gas leak caused a house to explode."
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