Several people were injured on Friday after an apartment building possibly exploded in Newark.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says that six people were hurt in the building collapse. The building is located at 8 South Pine Lane.
Officials say that five people were taken to the hospital – one with serious burns. One person who was hurt refused medical attention.
The possible explosion happened just after 6 p.m. The roof of the building appears to have collapsed onto the second and first floors. This is a Newark Housing Authority building, according to officials.
Officials say that the collapse was caused by a fire. But some are saying that a gas leak may have been involved. PSE&G crews were on the scene. One resident tells News 12 there was a loud explosion.
Multiple people are now displaced.
“This is a traumatic event. I spoke to a few of the residents who obviously have been displaced…the city is being fully supportive trying to make sure that we provide what we can, by the way of social workers, counselors, food. Whatever it is they need,” Baraka said.
Those families who were displaced were sent to a nearby hotel. The mayor says crews will be out all night assessing the damage.
