Alert – More than 12 people are injured, some critically, after gas explosion causes home to collapse in Wappinger Falls

An explosion has left at least 12 people injured – some critically – after a construction crew reportedly ruptured a natural gas line in Wappingers Falls, New York.

The explosion damaged a family home, which half collapsed.

At least two victims have been found in the rubble, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal. The injured reportedly include children. 

A heavy equipment operator is reportedly trapped in his machine as first responders try to reach him. 

One of the injured is a state trooper who was one of the first to respond to the scene.

Officials have requested helicopters to transfer the wounded to the hospital. 

News 12 Westchester reports that witnesses saw a mother and her two children come out of the home ‘badly hurt.’ 

The public has been asked to avoid the area of Main Street, Mesier Park, Mill Street and High Street while firefighters work.

The Dutchess County Emergency Management said: ‘Be advised that EAST and WEST MAIN ST are CLOSED in the V/Wappingers between SOUTH AVE and DELAVERGNE AVE due to extended fire department activity at a building collapse. Please AVOID THE AREA until further notice.’ 

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement about the incident.

She wrote: ‘I have been briefed on the building collapse in Dutchess County and have deployed State emergency services personnel to assist in response efforts. New Yorkers: please follow directions from law enforcement and other first responders working to keep the community safe.’

A spokesperson for Central Hudson said a contractor struck a 3/4-inch gas service line and the dig caused a fire and explosion, as reported by ABC 7.

The explosion happened at around 12.22pm on Brick Row. 

Electric and natural gas services were cut in the area at 1.30pm. 

Gov Hochul added: ‘I join all New Yorkers in praying for the Village of Wappingers Falls.’

Wappingers Falls is about an hour north of Westchester County.