Ogdensburg, NY – House explosion due to damaged gas line
By: Adam Chodak, News 10 Now Web Staff
Damage to a gas line caused Friday night’s deadly house explosion in Ogdensburg.
Investigators say when the line was installed in the mid 1990’s, it was accidentally pushed into the sewer system.
Fire officials say on Friday, city workers were working on a sewer line, and cut into the gas line.
The explosion killed 84-year-old George Bracey and sent five people to the hospital.
Saturday, neighbors remembered Bracey.
“He loved his garden, took care of his wife. Family was always there, always there making sure they were doing all right. They’re going to be missed, said Debbie Barr.
Bracey’s wife, daughter, and granddaughter were also in the house.
Bracey’s wife Eleanor is listed in fair condition at University Hospital.
Their granddaughter, Christine Dufore, is in critical condition at Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital.
The two city employees who had been working on the sewer line were also injured.