Miraculous Escape as Gas Cylinder Detonation Damages Multiple Homes
NEW YORK — A quiet Friday morning in Queens turned catastrophic when a parked SUV containing construction materials erupted into a massive fireball, damaging multiple properties but remarkably causing no injuries in what officials are calling a near-miraculous outcome.
The explosive incident, captured on dramatic doorbell camera footage, occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. in the South Ozone Park neighborhood, sending shockwaves through the residential area and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Extensive property damage
According to Deputy Fire Chief George Healy, who addressed reporters at the scene, the blast damaged five homes and five vehicles. The impact shattered windows, compromised structural elements, and affected overhead power lines in the vicinity.
“The general public should be very aware of the safety that needs to be utilized when we’re using pressurized cylinders and lithium-ion batteries,” Healy cautioned during the press conference.
Technical analysis
Investigators determined that the vehicle, used for construction purposes, contained multiple pressurized cylinders and lithium-ion batteries. The primary explosion was triggered by the catastrophic failure of one of these cylinders, though officials noted that the lithium-ion batteries remained intact throughout the incident.
Safety concerns
The incident has raised significant concerns about the storage and transportation of hazardous construction materials in residential areas. Fire officials emphasized the importance of proper storage protocols for pressurized cylinders and batteries.
The New York Fire Department has shared photographs and video footage of the aftermath, showcasing the charred remnants of the vehicle and the extensive damage to surrounding properties, serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of improperly stored construction materials.
