Oneonta house explosion sets off fire, killing 1 resident, destroying multiple homes

Police investigate an explosion at a house in Oneonta, New York.
Police investigate an explosion at a house in Oneonta, New York.

Authorities on Sunday were investigating a house explosion in upstate New York that left one person dead.

The Otsego County Sheriff's Department said dispatchers received several 911 calls about a home explosion in Oneonta around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the calls and found an active fire and multiple homes severely damaged. A state of emergency was put into effect and residents were advised to avoid the area.

After the flames were extinguished, authorities found a resident of one of the homes dead. Another resident in a neighboring home sustained minor injuries during the explosion and received medical attention, the sheriff's department said.

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Investigation is ongoing

As of Sunday, officials have not said what might have caused the explosion.

"The investigation is still ongoing. The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control will be the lead agency during this investigation and (will be) assisted by investigators from the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office. There is no threat to the public at this time," the sheriff's department said.

Photos of the fire posted by the sheriff's department show intense flames and extensive debris surrounding a home. Damage can be seen on nearby homes.

An explosion and fire led to the death of one resident and damage of several homes in Oneonta, New York, on Saturday.
An explosion and fire led to the death of one resident and damage of several homes in Oneonta, New York, on Saturday.

The blast comes just days after another home explosion in Arlington, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C. Last Monday afternoon, a man fired a “flare-type gun” from inside a duplex in the Bluemont neighborhood in Arlington more than 30 times as police tried to enter with a search warrant.

The house exploded at around 8:30 p.m. Monday, creating a fiery blast that could be felt for miles. Police believe a suspect identified at James Yoo, 56, was killed in that explosion.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oneonta, New York, house explosion leaves 1 person dead, homes damaged