New Jersey apartment building collapses after explosion

December 13, 2005 An apartment building located in Bergenfield, New Jersey partially collapsed today around 9:30 a.m. EST. The collapse occurred after an explosion was heard and a cloud of smoke was said to be visible from nearby Manhattan.

"It was an apartment building, unknown origin for the explosion," stated a police spokesperson located in the city. However, preliminary reports suggest that a gas line may have contributed to the explosion.

"Thirty families are going to be homeless throughout the holiday period," said Sheriff Leo P. McGuire, referring to the number of families that the building houses. The apartment building appears to be three stories high and firefighters are still trying to put out fires.

According to news reports, at least two people have been hospitalized. Eyewitness March Chance had the following to add: "The building is in flames… and there are a lot of ambulances."