Explosion levels houses in New Jersey

No residents were hurt when two houses were destroyed and at least two other houses suffered significant damage in an apparent gas explosion in Paterson, New Jersey. The blast shook buildings across the city.

Fire officials says they got a 911 call from 16 Goshen Avenue at 9:01 a.m. Emergency crews were on the scene by 9:05. They could hear the hissing sound of gas from the street and started immediate evacuations. They say the actual blast took place at 9:24 a.m.  It destroyed 16 and 18 Goshen Avenue.

11 people live in the two multi-family homes that were leveled.

Firefighters sprayed water across the debris after the explosion. There were parts of the houses spread across the neighborhood.  15 buildings had some sort of damage. Several cars also appeared to have suffered major damage. Several had shattered windows.

Homes and businesses in a several block radius were later evacuated as a precaution. Crowds gathered to watch as emergency crews put out the flames after the blast.

10 firefighters were taken to the hospital for evaluation and minor injuries. All expect it to be OK.

About 250 residents were affected by the shutoff of gas and power in the area for a few hours.