By: Richard L. Smith
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, are collaborating on an investigation into a house explosion that occurred in Stafford Township early Tuesday morning.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight when emergency responders were alerted to an explosion at 253 Neptune Drive.
Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters encountered a severely damaged house engulfed in flames.
They also discovered a male victim who had sustained severe burns. The injured individual was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Efforts were made to search the premises for potentially trapped occupants, but the house was ultimately declared a total loss.
Several walls were found to be bowed out, and the roof had collapsed during the incident.
No other injuries were reported.
The investigation into the explosion and the circumstances surrounding it is ongoing.