(ENN) Early reports are being received of an explosion and fire at the Multi-Care Ambulance Inc. in South Amboy, NJ (Middlesex County). The incident reportedly occurred this morning between 07:00 and 08:00a.m. EDT
The explosion allegedly occurred while a mechanic was working on an ambulance, which subsequently exploded. The resulting explosion and fire killed one person, the mechanic (possibly an EMT) who was working on the vehicle. Two others in the building are reportedly also injured and fire officials report them in critical condition.
The MultiCare facilities were described as "a total loss", including all of the communications, operations, and billing offices. Other local ambulance companies were alerted to expect overflow from assignments that MultiCare may now be unable to handle during the crisis. The incident remains under investigation by local fire and police authorities.
A Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) Team was dispatched to the scene to counsel other employees that may be affected by the death and injuries to their colleagues. ENN sends it condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the deceased EMS worker and wishes for a speedy recovery for those injuries in this tragic accident.
Special thanks to Matthew Streger for his assistance with this report.
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