After Wappingers Falls explosion, village rallies toward recovery

Sarah Eames and Mike Randall, Poughkeepsie Journal
·2 min read
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In the hours after several Wappingers Falls families lost everything in an explosion on Brick Row, local business owners, school parents and neighbors have rallied to show their support.

Eight adults and two children were injured when a struck gas line reportedly caused a devastating explosion Thursday afternoon, leading to a fire and building collapse. One responding firefighter and four police officers sustained minor injuries at the scene.

According to Wappingers Falls village police, as of Friday afternoon, seven of the 15 injured people had been treated and released. The other eight were at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Their status was undisclosed.

Residents of the adjacent residences on Brick Row walk passed the rubble pile on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.
Residents of the adjacent residences on Brick Row walk passed the rubble pile on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.

In wake of Wappingers Falls explosion, village rallies to support injured families

On Friday, the early November sun shined down on all that remained of the row of homes where multiple families lived: a pile of rubble.

Gone are all the basic necessities, as well as the family photos, the kids' football uniforms and the toys. In their place are discarded bricks and shards of metal surrounded by yellow caution tape.

Across the village, efforts have formed to begin to replace what's been lost.

The rubble pile on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.
The rubble pile on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.

Café Con Leche, a Puerto Rican restaurant just across Wappinger Creek from the explosion, opened its doors Thursday to those impacted who might need a meal, restroom, place to charge phones and meet with family members.

Two licensed social workers from Dynamic Intervention Wellness Solutions in Wappingers Falls planned to hold hours for crisis response support at their 3 Market St. office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The sessions, village officials said, would be free of charge to all.

The rubble pile on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.
The rubble pile on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.

The Wappingers Youth Football program, who said two of the families displaced by the explosion have players on their team, planned to stage a collection site for clothing and gift cards at the Wappingers Junior High School’s back practice field Friday evening.

Lists have circulated on social media, with clothing and shoe sizes needed for the adults and children impacted.

In one day, three GoFundMe pages have collectively raised $20,000.

The rubble pile on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.
The rubble pile on Brick Row in the Village of Wappingers Falls on November 3, 2023. The 4 unit building was demolished following a gas main explosion and subsequent fire that destroyed much of the structure.

When will power be restored

In the wake of the explosion and building collapse, nearby roads were closed and gas and electric services was cut to the surrounding area as crews continued to work at the scene.

Central Hudson said electric service was restored to all properties Thursday night.

Gas service to nearby properties was restored Friday morning, but the two buildings directly next to the scene were still without service Friday afternoon.

Central Hudson spokesperson Joseph Jenkins said they could not estimate exactly when it would be restored and lodging would be provided for those impacted.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Wappingers Falls explosion rallies support for displaced families