By: Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone reported this evening that an investigation is underway following a deadly explosion in South River.
Prosecutor Ciccone said in a statement that incident occurred at around 7:03 P.M. on Monday at a residence on Continental Court.
Authorities, upon arriving at the scene, found two men with serious injuries caused by the explosion.
One of the victims was urgently transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for medical treatment.
Tragically, Prosecutor Ciccone said the other victim, Mr. Kevin Gilbert, a 62-year-old retired Newark Police officer from South River, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the location.
He was a detective for The Newark Police Department from 1990 before retiring in 2016.
While South River Mayor confirmed the death of the second individual, the identity of this victim has not yet been released by Middlesex County officials.
The ongoing investigation into the explosion's cause is active, with local and county law enforcement seeking any information from the public.
Detective Patrick Molina of the South River Police Department and Detective Matthew Colonna of the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office will lead the inquiry.
Members of the community with any relevant details are urged to contact Detective Molina at 732-238-1000 or Detective Colonna at 732-745-3354.