Exclusive video captures Paterson home explosion

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Eyewitness News has obtained exclusive video that captures the explosion in Paterson that leveled two homes and damaged more than a dozen others Tuesday morning.

The surveillance camera shows debris being flung in all directions and the chaotic aftermath as firefighters and terrified witnesses run for cover. Amazingly, no one was seriously injured after responders had evacuated everyone prior to the blast.

Two multifamily houses were destroyed, and a third home was so badly damaged it will have to be razed.

Officials said 38 people were either displaced or left homeless, and 10 firefighters were being evaluated at hospitals for possible ear damage and other minor injuries.

Homes and businesses on several nearby blocks were evacuated as a precaution, and rubble from the destroyed homes littered the street.

Firefighters remained on scene, checking for any remaining hot spots or other problems. Many of the evacuated residents were congregating in a nearby park, awaiting word on when they would be allowed to return home.