A powerful explosion tore through an apartment building in South Ozone Park, New York, on Thursday morning, injuring 10 people – including seven police officers – and sparking a five-alarm fire that destroyed the home and spread to neighboring property, officials said.
Police said NYPD officers responded to a 911 call at around 2:42 a.m. about a domestic dispute involving a man armed with a knife at a home on 130th Street. When officers attempted to enter the residence, there was an explosion that quickly turned into a large fire.
Explosion during police response
Authorities said the explosion led to a fast-moving inferno that engulfed a two-and-a-half-story private home and damaged an adjacent building. FDNY firefighters deployed nearly 300 people to bring the flames under control.
Officials confirmed that all 11 residents of the building — including those on the basement, first and second floors — were accounted for. Most of them are believed to have been evacuated before the explosion. Three residents were treated for minor injuries.
Suspect missing
According to abc7ny.com, police have identified the suspect as Anroop Parasram, who is believed to be the estranged husband of a female resident who no longer lived at the property. He is currently missing.
Investigators said Parasram allegedly entered the basement apartment by forcing the air conditioner unit, shortly before the incident took place.
An investigation is underway
The cause of the explosion and fire is under investigation. Authorities said they are unable to fully search the basement debris until National Grid shuts off the gas line. Excavation work is planned to access the utility networks under the street.
FDNY officials described a chaotic scene as the structure partially collapsed due to the explosion and fire. Crews worked for hours to prevent the fire from spreading further in the densely packed neighborhood.
Displacement and damage
Sixteen people were displaced as a result of the incident and are receiving assistance from the Red Cross. Several nearby houses were damaged by the explosion and subsequent fire.
Officials have not yet determined what triggered the explosion during the police response, and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.
