6 Hurt In Explosion, 3-Alarm Fire In Cypress Hills

A 3-alarm fire broke out in a Cypress Hills residence shortly after an explosion was heard in the area, injuring at least 6 people and displacing over 50 people early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters responded to Vermont Street in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York for a report of a large fire that broke out after an explosion in the basement of the home. The fire was reported just after midnight. Firefighters arrived on scene to heavy flames throughout the basement and other floors of the residence.

Photo Credit: Brian Brackman

The fire was upgraded to a three-alarm response after heavy flames continued throughout the building as firefighters fought the blaze. Flames also spread to neighboring buildings.

Witnesses from the scene report that the door to the building was blown off during the explosion and could be seen across the street. Con Edison were called to the scene to investigate the incident as a possible gas emergency.

Two people were transported to Brookdale Hospital and four others refused medical treatment, according to the FDNY.

In addition to the six injured, at least 54 people were displaced from their homes as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross and NYC Office of Emergency Management are currently assisting those displaced.