A significant explosion at an auto repair shop in New Jersey on Tuesday evening triggered a massive five-alarm fire that engulfed several nearby businesses, leading to a chaotic situation, according to local officials and reports.
“A wall collapsed, which seemingly devastated the entire shopping area stretching from Conklin Street and Winans Street to Maple Street,” Hillside Mayor Dahlia Bartleys mentioned in a video shared on Facebook. First responders and firefighters quickly descended on the scene.
The mayor noted that at least six or seven businesses, including a flower shop, a grocery store, and the auto repair shop, were destroyed due to the explosion that occurred around 6:30 p.m.
Vetrise, another official, indicated that one house also suffered considerable damage.
“It’s a tragic sight,” she expressed, emphasizing the extent of the destruction.
“If you’re in the Maple Avenue area, it’s best to steer clear of the lower segment towards Hillside Avenue. The smoke is quite heavy,” she advised.
She shared that firefighters had to frequently enter the site, returning for treatment afterward to ensure their well-being.
Hillside Fire Chief Lashawn Carey informed Fox5 that the fire remained “very active” late Tuesday night.
Gas line ruptures and the presence of flammable chemicals were exacerbating the flames, he noted.
Carey remarked that “multiple factors” were complicating efforts to quench the fire, describing this incident as the “second worst fire” he has witnessed in his 18 years of service.
The flames and thick smoke were visible from as far away as Newark Liberty International Airport, reports suggested.
One individual was transported to the hospital, although there were no reports of fatalities or serious injuries.
Emergency operations are expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with the cause of the explosion still under investigation.
