3 Injured in Staten Island Gas Explosion

A gas explosion and fire Wednesday night at a house on Staten Island injured three people — one critically — and forced the evacuation of more than a dozen homes, according to the Fire Department. Firefighters had been checking reports of a gas leak at 101 Delaware Street near Dalemere Road in Dongan Hills for about two hours when an explosion happened at the home shortly before 7 p.m., the Fire Department said. One of the people injured was in critical condition, while another civilian and a firefighter sustained serious injuries that were not life-threatening, fire officials said. All three victims were taken to Staten Island University Hospital North. Dennis Mangiero, who lives four doors down from the house where the explosion occurred, said he had spoken with the homeowner before he was taken to the hospital. “He said he went into his basement and he opened the door, and it blew up in his face,” Mr. Mangiero said. He said the man had burns on his forehead and appeared to be shaken up. Crews from National Grid, the gas company, were at the site late Wednesday searching for the source of the leak. Homes within a three-block radius were evacuated.