Syracuse investigators close in on cause of blast that destroyed house, tore through refugee families (2024)

Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse fire investigators think an explosion inside a North Side house Tuesday leveled the building, devastating two families of refugees to the United States.

Three young children are fighting for their lives with injuries and burns from the blast that crumpled the two-story rental home.

Crews picked through what remains of the home at 205 Carbon St. to narrow the cause to something inside the house, according to District Chief Matthew Craner, a city fire department spokesperson.

Twelve people were hospitalized after the collapse around 4 p.m. Tuesday, officials said. All were in stable condition, except for the three youngest victims, who were in “critically stable” condition: an 8-month-old, 2-year-old and 3-year-old, Craner said. One child was treated but not admitted to a hospital, he said.

Eight children are being treated at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital with injuries that include second- and third-degree burns, according to Dr. Kim Wallenstein, the hospital’s pediatric trauma medical director.

Several also had blast injuries consistent with an explosion, such as fractures and head injuries, Wallenstein said. Some of the children could be released as soon as Wednesday afternoon, she said.

The blast tore through two families from Burma, according to Syracuse Common Councilor Chol Majok.

One family was visiting another family at the home, officials said. The visiting family was part of a Catholic Charities resettlement program, according to Kacee Shuler, the nonprofit’s director of donor engagement. Authorities released their names Wednesday.

Investigators believe the explosion might have been related to natural gas service inside the home, Craner said. Firefighters found downed power lines and a heavy odor of natural gas when they arrived.

Pressure tests by National Grid found no issues with the gas line running from Carbon Street to the home’s meter, Craner said.

District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said his office was part of the investigation and that they were focused on appliances inside the home. The investigation is not criminal, said Craner, the fire department spokesperson.

Amid the wreckage, a child’s winter coat could be seen still hanging on a hanger in a closet. The blast sent the clothes sliding to one side of the rail.

The blast echoed around the neighborhood. The quiet has since been replaced with the high-pitched wail of sirens and rumble of construction vehicles.

An official with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also investigating the blast, Craner said. A special agent based in Syracuse who is also a certified explosives specialist is helping, according to ATF spokesperson Amanda Hay.

Mayor Ben Walsh said he was grateful for the efforts of first responders and neighbors who helped people at the scene.

Multiple people were able to exit the home on their own, or with the help of neighbors who rushed over. Firefighters worked to pull other people out of the house, including a child trapped in a car crushed by the collapsed home. Several small fires were put out inside the home.

Crews then worked to shore up the remaining structure before specially trained crews went inside late Tuesday to search for any remaining people who were trapped. Firefighters spent 45 minutes searching and found no one.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control in Albany sent a team of search dogs to comb through the rubble, officials said. A cadaver dog was brought in by the New York State Police.

The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home was constructed in 1920, according to county records. It is owned by Minh C. Tran, of Liverpool, records show. Craner said Syracuse police had been in touch with Tran.

There were no active code violations for the home as of Tuesday afternoon, according to city records.

City officials said they plan to demolish what remains of the home once all investigations are completed.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.