NEWBURGH – An explosion in the basement of a house at 449 First Street in Newburgh rocked the building late Monday afternoon. Officials determined it was caused by a worker of the owner who had cut a natural gas line and left the scene.
Smoke poured from the basement area and traveled to upper floors.
All occupants got out safely with one firefighter and one resident receiving minor injuries.
A cat was found dead in the house.,
Mutual aid came from the Stewart Air National Guard Fire Department and West Point Fire Department.
City police blocked off First Street while firefighters attacked the fire.
Central Hudson was called to cut the power and Mobile Life Support Services was on the scene with advanced life support personnel in the event they were needed.
City code enforcement was also called to the scene.
