Eight firefighters were injured in an explosion and roof collapse of a structure in West New York, NJ Thursday night.
"We have eight firefighters who were injured, anywhere from smoke inhalation to broken bones, feumur and ankle. We have a compound fracture of an ankle. One individual is going into surgery," North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Chief Dave Donnarumma told CBS. .
They were transported to nearby hospitals and were being evaluated for other injuries. Crews were on the roofs of both buildings when the explosion occurred and had to be rescued by fellow firefighters.
"We rescued approximately four people from the building. A lot of people self evacuated and we rescued four people via ladders," Donnarumma said.
The blaze started in the three-story mixed-use corner building at 5222 Bergenline Ave., and quickly spread next door. The brunt of the explosion happened on the second floor, firefighters said.
The cause is under investigation but did not appear suspicious, Donnarumma said.
The Red Cross assisted 20 people from four buildings involved in the incident.
