A significant explosion at an auto body shop in New Jersey triggered a devastating five-alarm fire that obliterated several surrounding businesses on Tuesday evening, according to local authorities and reports.
Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese stated in a video shared on her Facebook page, “We experienced a wall collapse, and it appears the entire shopping section of Maple Avenue from Conklin to Winans Avenue is gone as firefighters and first responders flooded the area.”
The mayor indicated that at least six or seven businesses, including a grocery store, a flower shop, and the auto body shop itself, were engulfed in flames following the explosion that occurred around 6:30 p.m.
Additionally, one home sustained severe damage, added Vertreese.
“This is an alarming scene,” she remarked.
“If you are near Maple Avenue, please avoid the lower section toward Hillside Avenue as it is extremely smoky,” she urged.
The mayor described observing firefighters “entering dangerous conditions only to return for medical assistance to ensure their safety.”
According to Hillside Fire Chief Rashawn Carey, Fox5 reported that the fire remained “very active” that evening.
Carey noted that a gas line rupture, combined with the presence of flammable chemicals, was intensifying the fire.
“Multiple factors are making this fire challenging to combat,” Carey communicated to the media.
The fire chief remarked to Vertreese that it was the “second-most severe fire in 18 years” of his service.
Smoke clouds were reportedly visible from as far as Newark Liberty International Airport, about 2 miles away, as the inferno continued.
One individual was taken to a hospital, but there have been no reports of fatalities or further injuries.
Emergency operations are predicted to persist into Wednesday morning.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is still ongoing.
