Gas Explosion in Wappingers Falls, New York Injures 15, Including 5 First Responders; Contractor Suspected of Striking Gas Line

Explosion results from gas line rupture during routine maintenance, causing severe injuries and a building collapse; conflicting reports regarding total number of injured, investigation ongoing.

A gas explosion in Wappingers Falls, New York, caused by a contractor inadvertently striking a gas line, led to the collapse of a brick multifamily building and injured 15 people; four police officers, a firefighter, eight adults, two children.
Among the victims, three individuals -- two adults and a child -- were airlifted to Westchester Medical Center, with several others remaining hospitalized, several in critical or serious condition from blast or burn injuries.
Various news sources have reported conflicting numbers regarding the injury count, with some indicating 10 victims rather than the widely-reported 15; the Associated Press has since corrected its earlier report to align with the lower figure.
The impacted structure housed four apartments and a basement; ongoing rescue and investigation efforts are focused on ensuring all victims have been rescued and accounting for the cause of the explosion.
While some victims remain in critical condition, minor injuries were also sustained by responding officers and firefighters due to exposure to smoke during the rescue operation. Response efforts also saw personnel deployed by Governor Hochul to assist.