Gas explosion blows out windows of Raritan Twp. home

RARITAN TOWNSHIP – Authorities are investigating the cause of a natural gas explosion that blew out the windows of an Old York Road home Friday morning. The explosion cause a minor fire in the house that was quickly extinguished.

Elizabethtown Gas crews were on the scene, as well as volunteer firefighters from Hunterdon County. The South Hunterdon Task Force also was called to the scene.

No injuries were reported.

According to Raritan Township Fire Chief Steve Wetter, there was a small gas explosion in the two-story house owned by Michael and Johanna McCartney. When firefighters arrived at about 9:45 a.m., there was a fire in the basement that was quickly extinguished.

Three residents of the single-family home — a couple and their baby — were inside at the time of the explosion but were evacuated without injury. Three contractors were also in the home and escaped injury.

John Schrade, a neighbor, said there was a "tremendous explosion" at about 10 a.m. that "shook the neighborhood."

"It shook my house," John Schrade said, adding that the family moved in about a year ago and were converting from oil to gas.

Firefighters remained an the scene to make sure there was no extension of the fire. They also helped recover the owner's comic book collection, which was spread out on plastic sheeting in the front yard.

Firefighters from Raritan Township, Flemington Borough, East Amwell Township, Sergeantsville and Quakertown responded to assist with the explosion and fire.

The Raritan Township Police Department and Elizabethtown Gas are investigating the explosion.

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com