The Naval Weapons Station Earle, about 45 minutes from New York City in Middletown, New Jersey, drew fire trucks, ambulances, and an emergency helicopter Tuesday morning following an explosion, reports Reuters.
ABC reports that eight people were injured; one person was seriously injured and the others had non-life-threatening injuries. The base has a workforce of about 1,500 people, reports Reuters. A welding accident may have taken place or a propane tank may have exploded, according to ABC. The situation is now stabilized.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs Director Beth Baker said in an email to the Middletown Patch: “The explosion occurred approximately 9 a.m. this morning while personnel were doing routine maintenance on a utility boat. ... The damage from the explosion was contained within the boathouse area.”
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