Several people injured including children, after natural gas fire explosion and house collapse on Brick Row in Wappingers Falls

A natural gas line was accidentally ruptured by a construction crew in the vicinity of 2 Brick Row on Thursday. This led to a powerful explosion that ignited a nearby house.

The incident resulted in multiple injuries, prompting officials to declare a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI). The explosion took place around 12:20 p.m.

One heavy equipment operator became trapped in his machine, and as of 2:00 p.m., first responders, along with a specialized rescue team from the Poughkeepsie, Arlington, and LaGrange Fire Departments, were working diligently to reach the worker, who was still alive.

Numerous police, fire, and EMS agencies from across Dutchess County, along with utility crews from Central Hudson, are at the scene to manage the situation.

A minimum of seven individuals with various injuries have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Among the injured is a New York State Trooper who was among the initial responders.

Despite his own injuries, he is acknowledged for extracting wounded workers from the blast site and coordinating their medical care before seeking assistance for himself.

Several of the injured have been airlifted to different hospitals for further treatment.

NY Route 9D is currently shut down between School Street and East Main Street in Wappinger. Motorists are advised to steer clear of Mill Street and Brick Row in the Village of Wappinger Falls.