Ocean County Sees Second Natural Gas Explosion in Less Than a Week

Officials are reminding everyone to be cautious after Ocean County's second natural gas explosion in less than a week.

Police and firefighters responded to Cooks Lane in Point Pleasant Beach around 1:40am for a reported structure fire.  Upon arrival, they found a 47-year-old man outside the home with burns over 40 to 50 % of his body.  He was transported to a burn unit and is reportedly in stable condition.  The victim told investigators he woke up to the strong smell of natural gas and turned on the bathroom light.  That's when the entire house erupted in flames.

A natural gas explosion at a home in Stafford Township last Tuesday injured 15 people, two of them critically.  Ocean County officials and New Jersey Natural Gas representatives are urging residents to remember the following guidelines:

• Be alert for a strong odor, like that of rotten eggs.  Natural gas has no scent, so utilities add that odorant to help aid in detection.
• If you smell gas, remove and extinguish any cigarettes or other smoking materials.
• Do NOT use matches, lighters, or open flames.
• Do not operate light switches, electrical appliances, flashlights, doorbells or garage door openers, as they could create a spark.
• Do not use telephones (even cellular) in the area where the odor was detected.  Phones can also create sparks which can ignite gas.
• Evacuate the building or area and call New Jersey Natural Gas from a safe location.  The number to report a leak is 1-800-GAS-LEAK (800-427-5325).
• Do not re-enter the building until utility crews have determined it to be safe.