A New Jersey home on a quiet cul-de-sac exploded into pieces Thursday evening, killing one man, injuring a second and forcing the evacuation of the neighborhood, officials said.
Shocking images show the Middlesex County home blown to near shreds, with debris littering the street and neighboring yards as a small fire sent smoke billowing into the air.
The explosion happened shortly after 7 p.m. at a house on Continental Court in South River, police said.
First responders arrived and found two men with serious injuries, cops said.
One of the victims, 62-year-old Kevin Gilbert, died at the scene shortly after emergency personnel arrived, while the second man was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, according to the police department.
The blast also damaged surrounding houses, according to MyCentralJersey.com.
South River police told community members to avoid the area around Continental Court, Heritage Drive and the lower end of Leonardine Avenue in a public alert.
The police said there is no danger to the public and that officials are keeping the area clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
A CBS News chopper showed pieces of the house spread out in every direction following the explosion. A toppled basketball hoop was among the rubble.
Crews are working to dig out some of the debris in order to access the gas lines, according to the news station. All gas lines in the neighborhood have been shut down.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, police said.
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