Seven NYPD officers and a sergeant were thrown off their feet when a Queens house exploded as they arrived to respond to a domestic dispute. The blast sparked a major fire that spread to an adjacent home and displaced 16 people. The suspect, 50-year-old Anroop Parasram, is unaccounted for as investigators search the burned remains. Security footage reportedly shows Parasram with a knife and two bags before forcing entry, and family members had previously filed orders of protection against him.
Queens House Explosion Tosses Seven NYPD Officers; Suspect Missing as Fire Displaces 16
New York Fire DepartmentCredit: New York City Fire Department/Facebook
Seven NYPD officers and a sergeant were violently thrown off their feet early Thursday when a house in Queens exploded just as they were entering to respond to a domestic dispute, authorities said. The blast ignited a large fire that spread to a neighboring home and forced 16 people from their residences as investigators searched the charred wreckage for a suspect believed to be involved.
What Happened
Police responded to the home at 2:42 a.m. after a 911 caller reported that 50-year-old Anroop Parasram had arrived intoxicated and forced his way inside. Security footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Parasram outside the house carrying a knife and two garbage bags containing an unknown substance and then pushing an air-conditioning unit to gain entry.
New York Fire DepartmentCredit: New York City Fire Department/Facebook
Moments after officers received a key from the victim’s daughter and approached the residence, the house exploded. NYPD officials said the blast was powerful enough to knock seven officers and a sergeant off their feet. Despite the force of the explosion, officers reportedly got up and ran into the burning home to check for anyone still inside.
"We got very lucky today; this could have turned out very differently," Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh of the Patrol Borough Queens South said at a news conference. "They stood up and ran into the burning home. They run to danger; they do not run away from it."
Victims, Suspect And Investigation
Parasram, 50, is currently unaccounted for as emergency crews and investigators comb the rubble and search the surrounding area. Police say the suspect had three expired orders of protection filed against him by family members. The daughter and granddaughter who were inside the home managed to escape before the explosion, according to authorities.
New York Fire DepartmentCredit: New York City Fire Department/Facebook
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and officials reported that the fire had spread to a neighboring residence. At least 16 people were displaced and emergency personnel continue to assess structural damage and search for evidence. Local outlets reporting on the incident include PIX11 and NBC New York.
Ongoing Work
Investigators are piecing together the timeline and cause of the explosion while canvassing the area for the missing suspect and seeking any additional witnesses or video footage. Authorities have not yet released a cause for the blast and urged anyone with information to contact investigators.
Note: All facts are reported based on statements from NYPD officials and local news reports; the investigation is ongoing and details may change as authorities release more information.
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