PERTH AMBOY, N.J. (AP) -- An out-of-control car crashed into a gas main early Thursday, sparking a fire that destroyed a four-story building. Five people were slightly injured and nearly 60 were left homeless.
Perth Amboy police confirmed the explosion and the injuries but gave no further details. Fire officials at the scene said witnesses told them the explosion happened shortly after the car struck the main around 4 a.m.
The fire was brought under control within the hour, but the blast blew out windows and sent debris flying. The car's driver had not been identified and the cause of the crash remained under investigation.
The four-story building, which housed a coin-operated laundry and several apartments, is near rail lines used by the North Jersey Coast Line, and service was briefly suspended so inspectors could check the tracks for damage.
Three firefighters and two Elizabethtown Gas Co. workers suffered minor injuries in the blaze. Officials said the workers were trying to cap the gas line just before it exploded.
Dozens of residents who live in the building and nearby buildings were evacuated.
