2 Dead After Vehicle Is Swept Away by Intense Flash Flooding in New Jersey
The North Plainfield Police Department said a house exploded overnight due to a possible gas leak
Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for 21 counties due to the flash flooding and stormsAt least two people died in New Jersey in flash flooding following the intense storms that hit the Tri-State area, according to officials.
In a news release, the city of Plainfield announced the two fatalities that happened on Monday, July 14.
'According to preliminary reports, a vehicle was swept into Cedar Brook during the height of the storm,' the city said. 'Emergency personnel responded quickly, but tragically, both individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene.'
"The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of their families," officials added. "The City Administration extends its heartfelt condolences to those affected by this loss."
The city's statement also noted that Monday's deaths came nearly two weeks after a severe storm hit Plainfield on July 3, which also killed two people.
Meanwhile, in North Plainfield, authorities responded to a report of a house explosion in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 15, the North Plainfield Police Department stated in a news release shared with PEOPLE.
"On arrival police officers found the home fully engulfed in flames. The explosion appears to have been the result of a gas leak," the police said. "Luckily the home appears to have been empty and no victims were located.
The residents apparently had already evacuated before the explosion happened, according to ABC affiliate WABC.
The heavy rains made battling the blaze difficult as firefighters had to wade through ankle-deep water with their hoses, according to CBS affiliate WCBS.
Northfield Police also said that 40 people were rescued from the floodwaters in the borough, that have also destroyed numerous homes and vehicles.
Parts of New Jersey experienced about 6 inches of rain from Monday's storms that disrupted traffic and left vehicles abandoned, Fox affiliate WNYW reported.
The flash flooding and severe storms prompted New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to declare a state of emergency across 21 counties that went into effect Monday evening.
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'I urge New Jerseyans to exercise caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,' Murphy said in a press statement.
Due to the storm damage, the city of Plainfield said that its city pools and parks are closed on Tuesday for inspection and safety assessment, while services at the Plainfield Senior Center are halted.
Monday's storms also hit New York City, where video showed water flooding the entrance and platform at the 23rd Street station on the No. 1 line, WABC reported.
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