Tragedy struck the quiet community of Buena on August 3 as a devastating house explosion claimed the lives of two individuals, with two more individuals still missing, ABC News reported. The incident, which left a trail of destruction in its wake, has left residents in shock and mourning.
At approximately 10:35 a.m. ET, emergency services were dispatched to the scene of what was initially reported as a house fire in Buena, South Jersey. However, upon arrival, it became evident that the catastrophe was the result of a powerful explosion that obliterated a residential property, leaving a scene of devastation.
Police Chief Matthew DeCesari of Franklin Township revealed that among the victims are a 1-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl who suffered
burn injuries in the explosion. Both were flown to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment, with the 1-year-old in critical condition and the 16-year-old in stable condition.
Distressingly, four individuals were believed to have been present within the house at the time of the explosion, a 2.5-year-old boy, a 3.5-year-old girl, a 52-year-old man, and a 73-year-old man. So far, two bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, but due to the extensive damage, authorities have been unable to identify the victims.
"We are working diligently to sift through that rubble and attempt to locate the other two individuals," Chief DeCesari stated.
The exact relationships among the victims have not yet been established, adding to the heartache and confusion that has gripped the community in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Numerous neighboring homes bore the brunt of the explosion's shockwaves, sustaining significant damage. Thankfully, the area was swiftly evacuated, preventing further injuries.
The investigation has taken a grim turn as authorities are treating the incident as a criminal case, a decision made in its preliminary stages. At this point, the cause of the explosion is being kept under wraps.
"We are treating it as a criminal investigation at this point until we determine otherwise," Chief DeCesari emphasized.
The severity of the explosion required the combined efforts of multiple fire departments. In addition, federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, and the New Jersey State Police have joined the investigation, lending their expertise to unravel the circumstances behind this tragedy.
Shocking footage from the scene showcased the utter destruction of the once-standing home, now reduced to a pile of debris. An eyewitness reported feeling the explosion's impact and seeing smoke billowing from the property.
"This is just something that's very tragic. This is a small community. Everybody seems to know each other. And when you have an incident like this, it really hits everyone," Chief DeCesari expressed.
In an effort to piece together the events leading up to the explosion, law enforcement has reached out to the public for any cell phone or Ring camera footage captured prior to or during the incident.
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