At least 3 people injured after explosion in basement of Brooklyn home
EAST FLATBUSH, Brooklyn (WABC) -- At least three people were injured in an explosion that occurred in the basement of a house in Brooklyn on Thursday night, according to officials.
Police received a call around 8:30 p.m. for a house explosion at 790 E. 37th St. in East Flatbush.
First responders arrived on the scene and found two victims on the street, and two on the top floor.
Fire officials say the explosion originated in the basement area of the residence, ripping through the home and causing significant damage to the rear.
A neighbor described what happened after the blast.
"I didn't want to go in the house. I didn't know what was happening," said neighbor Milredy Joseph. "The victims that did come out, I wanted them to get away from the house because we didn't know if there would be any secondary explosions or if something else would have transpired.
At least three people suffered serious injuries, according to the FDNY.
Two victims were taken to the hospital for burn injuries, and potentially some respiratory injuries. A third was taken to a local hospital for lacerations and contusions.
FDNY officials say the windows of the residence were blown out from the explosion, and the structural integrity of the building is now the primary concern.
As a result, the residences attached to the left and right of 790 E. 37th St. have been evacuated, and utilities have been cut off to the street.
There's no word yet on what caused the explosion.
It's also unclear whether or not the basement was being used as a separate dwelling.
The FDNY says they are working with the NYPD, medical services, National Grid, Con Edison and the Department of Buildings.
The investigation remains ongoing.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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