House explodes during New Jersey flooding, nearby homes damaged
The blast took place about 2:45 a.m. local time on July 15 at a home on Parkview Avenue, a North Plainfield Police Department non-emergency dispatcher confirmed to USA TODAY.
The house is in the borough of North Plainfield in Somerset County, not far from the New York state line and about 30 miles from The Big Apple.
Footage of the incident shows wooden slats from the front of the home laying flat on the ground with torn siding and other rubble behind it.
As of Monday no injuries or fatalities had been reported.
According to police Chief Alan McKay, when officers arrived on scene, they found the home fully engulfed in flames.
"Luckily the home appears to have been empty and no victims were located," police wrote in a news release.
Northeast flooding: Heavy rainfall causes flash flooding in New York City, other major cities
New Jersey flash flooding
The destruction took place around the same time heavy rainfall hit portions of the state as well as New York City, with videos on social media showing a subway station inundated with floodwaters.
Parkview Avenue and other roads and highways in New Jersey experienced high floodwater overnight.
The heavy flooding turned most roads including Route 22 into rivers and made them unpassable, police reported, and dozens were rescued from vehicles and homes throughout the borough.
Several agencies were dispatched to assist local police including the New Jersey State Police and the Somerset County Dive Team.
McKay said about 40 residents were rescued from floodwaters which destroyed countless homes and vehicles.The Red Cross was notified and is responding to assist with food, water and temporary housing, McKay said.
Major cities across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic including New York City were hampered by flash flooding after storms knocked out power, closed voluminous roads and prompted water rescues on July 14.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly, the rain caused flash flooding prompting a state of emergency declaration in New Jersey. In northern New Jersey, forecasters reported between 3 and 6.5 inches of rain fell.
The NWS warned more rain was expected on July 15.
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What caused a New Jersey home to explode?
A preliminary investigation by officials determined the explosion appears to have been the result of a gas leak, police said.
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House explodes in North Plainfield, New Jersey amid flooding
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