By: Richard L. Smith
The Bridge Township Police Department is currently investigating a significant structure fire triggered by an explosion on West Greystone Road at around 11:21 a.m. today.
Old Bridge Police said in a statement that the incident, occurring directly across from Jonas Salk Middle School, prompted immediate concerns for safety, leading to a "Shelter in Place" order for the school due to the proximity and severity of the fire.
First responders were met with heavy smoke emanating from a commercial building across from the school and a working fire with potential entrapment.
Police, fire, and EMS units from neighboring towns, including Spotswood, East Brunswick, Marlboro, and Monroe, were called to the scene to provide assistance while local resources were engaged at the site.
The explosion resulted in multiple severe injuries, necessitating the dispatch of two medical helicopters to transport victims to appropriate medical facilities.
Due to the active and ongoing nature of the investigation, authorities have not yet released the names of the individuals involved.
This incident has caused significant alarm in the community, especially given its occurrence near a middle school, and emergency services are working diligently to manage the situation and investigate the cause of the explosion.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.