A dramatic explosion at a Queens home early Thursday morning sent eight New York City police officers flying as they responded to a domestic violence call involving a man reportedly armed with a knife and the smell of gas. The fiery blast occurred just before 3 a.m., as officers tried to enter the residence at 107-55 130th Street in Queens, causing windows to shatter and knocking officers to the ground.
Police body camera footage captured the moment of the explosion as one officer attempted to use a key to open the door. The force of the blast was so strong that officers were thrown across the yard and into a gate. Despite their injuries,ranging from minor burns to a head laceration, the officers quickly regrouped and helped residents, including crying children, escape from the burning building. All people inside were accounted for, though several were hospitalized for treatment.
According to Assistant Police Chief Christopher McIntosh, the incident began when a woman called 911 to report a family member who was intoxicated, armed with a knife, and carrying garbage bags filled with canisters containing an unknown substance. Security video showed the suspect entering the basement apartment where his wife, daughter, and two grandchildren lived. While the daughter and grandchildren managed to flee, the remaining victim also escaped after being threatened with a knife. Police arrived soon after and began rescue efforts for others inside the three-family home.
The explosion caused the home to collapse and damaged neighboring properties. The suspect, a 50-year-old man with three expired protection orders filed against him, remained unaccounted for as of Thursday. Authorities are investigating whether he may be buried in the rubble and what triggered the blast. The cause remains under investigation by both police and fire officials.
All eight injured officers have since been released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to determine the full circumstances behind the explosion and account for the missing suspect.
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